Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are a group of breathing tests that help doctors see how well your lungs are working.
PFTs may be used to:
The technician will explain how each test is done and how the PFT devices (eg, spirometer , peak flow meter ) work. You might sit in an enclosed booth. You may have to wear a nose clip. In some cases, one or more of these tests will be done during or immediately following exercise (on a treadmill or stationary bike). Tell the technician right away if you have breathing problems, pain, or dizziness during testing.
A technician will ask you to breathe in and out in different patterns and speeds into the PFT devices. You will rest between tests.
The PFT will measure things like:
Additional tests that may be used in some situations include:
Rest until you feel able to leave. You may be given a medicine if testing causes symptoms of a lung condition or disease (eg, wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing).
20-45 minutes
The test does not hurt. You may experience symptoms of your lung condition or disease (eg, wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing) during or immediately following testing.
RESOURCES:
American Lung Association
http://www.lungusa.org/
Family Doctor.org
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home.html
References:
Birnbaum S, Barreiro TJ. Methacholine challenge testing: identifying its diagnostic role, testing, coding, and reimbursement (review). Chest . 2007;131(6):1932-1935.
Chang J, Mosenifar Z. Differentiating COPD from asthma in clinical practice. J Intensive Care Med . 2007;22(5):300-309.
Chu MW. Introduction to pulmonary function. Otolaryngol Clin North Am . 2008;41:387-396.
Crapo RO, Casaburi R, Coates AL, et al. Guidelines for methacholine and exercise challenge testing (1999). Am J Respir Crit Care Med . 2000;161:309.
Pulmonary function tests. National Library of Medicine, Medline Plus website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003853.htm . Accessed October 16, 2007.
Walsh JM. Interpreting pulmonary function test. Loyola University Medical Education Network website. Available at: http://www.meddean.luc.edu/lumen/MedEd/medicine/pulmonar/fellow/exam2.htm . Accessed October 30, 2006.
Last reviewed October 2009 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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