Pulmonary Function Tests

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are a group of tests that measure how well the lungs are functioning. PFTs can help diagnose respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis. These tests can also help monitor the progression of lung disease and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.

Some of the common types of pulmonary function tests include:

Spirometry: This test measures the amount of air you can exhale forcefully after taking a deep breath, as well as how quickly you can exhale.

Lung volume measurement: This test measures the amount of air in your lungs and how much you can exhale after taking a deep breath.

Diffusing capacity: This test measures how well the lungs transfer oxygen from the air into the bloodstream.

Peak expiratory flow (PEF): This test measures how much air you can forcefully exhale in one breath.

Bronchial challenge test: This test measures how your airways respond to an irritant or medication that causes constriction of the airways.