What Is A Pulmonary Function Test Used For?

A pulmonary function test (PFT) is a group of tests used to evaluate how well your lungs are working. These tests can measure how much air your lungs can hold, how quickly you can move air in and out of your lungs, and how well your lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. PFTs are used to diagnose and monitor a variety of lung conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and respiratory muscle weakness. They can also be used to assess the effectiveness of treatments for these conditions. During a PFT, you will be asked to breathe in and out of a mouthpiece that is connected to a machine called a spirometer. The spirometer measures the amount and flow of air that you are able to exhale. You may also be given a medication that opens up your airways, and then asked to repeat the test to see if there is any improvement. In addition to the spirometry test, other tests that may be performed during a PFT include: * Lung volume testing: This measures the total amount of air in your lungs. * Diffusion capacity testing: This measures how well your lungs are able to transfer oxygen from the air you breathe into your bloodstream. * Gas exchange testing: This measures how well your lungs are able to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. PFTs are generally safe and non-invasive, although some people may experience mild shortness of breath or light-headedness during the test. It is important to follow the instructions of the technician administering the test and to take deep, slow breaths to ensure accurate results. Overall, PFTs are an important tool for diagnosing and managing lung conditions. They can help your healthcare provider understand the severity of your condition and determine the best course of treatment. If you have any concerns about your lung health, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about whether a PFT is right for you.