Pulmonary Function Test: What You Need to Know

Pulmonary Function Test (PFT): A Complete Guide

A Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) is a safe, non-invasive test that measures how well your lungs are working. Doctors recommend this test to diagnose and monitor conditions like asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer. It is also used to evaluate treatment effectiveness and assess lung health before surgery.

Why is a Pulmonary Function Test Done?

• Diagnosis: To identify lung conditions such as asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis.
• Severity Assessment: To check how advanced a disease is.
• Treatment Monitoring: To measure the effectiveness of ongoing treatment.
• Pre-Surgery Evaluation: To ensure lungs are fit before major surgery.
• Workplace Health: For people exposed to dust, smoke, or chemicals at work.

How the Test is Performed

The most common method uses a device called a spirometer, which measures how much air you can inhale and exhale, and how quickly. During the test, you will be asked to breathe in and out through a mouthpiece while the device records your lung performance.

Understanding the Results

Results are expressed in different values, including:

• FVC (Forced Vital Capacity): The total amount of air you can exhale after a deep breath.
• FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second): The amount of air you can exhale in the first second.
• FEV1/FVC Ratio: The proportion of air exhaled in one second compared to the total.

These results are compared with standard values. If your results are below normal, it may indicate a lung condition that requires further evaluation.

Preparing for the Test

• Do not smoke for at least 4 hours before the test.
• Avoid using inhalers for 6 hours unless advised by your doctor.
• Do not eat a heavy meal before the test.
• Do not take any breathing-related medicines without medical advice.

After the Test

You can return to your normal activities right away. Your doctor will review the results, explain their meaning, and guide you on the next steps for diagnosis or treatment.

Conclusion

A Pulmonary Function Test is painless, safe, and highly useful in detecting lung problems early. If you experience shortness of breath, chronic cough, or other respiratory issues, your doctor may recommend this test to ensure timely diagnosis and effective treatment.