What is Pulmonary Function Test?
It is a series of non-invasive tests conducted to establish lung function and effectiveness. This test measures the efficiency of taking in and expelling air from the lungs as well as the level at which oxygen is transferred into blood. Common parameters include lung volume, airflow, and gas exchange. Such tests are basics in the diagnosis of such respiratory illnesses as asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and many other diseases of the lungs. In addition, such tests serve to check the progression of lung diseases, assess how well the treatment is functioning, and determine whether or not a patient is able to be operated on. PFTs are one of the safest, very simple procedures that can be carried out using devices that include spirometers and plethysmographs.
What is Spirometry ?
Spirometry is a common pulmonary function test used to assess how well your lungs work by measuring how much air you inhale, how much you exhale and how quickly you exhale.
How is a Spirometry Test Performed ?
Your healthcare provider may conduct your test at an office or in a special lung-function laboratory.
He will then place soft clips on your nose.
The clips help you breathe out only through the tube attached to the spirometer.
You’ll then take a deep breath in and blow into a tube connected to the spirometer.
The spirometer measures the amount of air you blow out of your lungs and the amount you inhale back into your lungs.
Blow as hard and fast as you can.
You’ll repeat the test three times to ensure your results are accurate and reproducible.
Your healthcare provider may also ask you to breathe in a medicine that helps open your airways.
You’ll then exhale into the tube connected to the spirometer again.
Your healthcare provider will compare the results of your tests before and after you inhaled the medicine.
They’ll then decide if they can use the medicine in your treatment plan.
Why is Spirometry Performed ?
Spirometry determines if your lungs are functioning at their expected levels. It also helps to diagnose lung and airway diseases, including:
- Asthma.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Cystic fibrosis.
- Pulmonary fibrosis.
Spirometry can also:
- Determine your lung capacity.
- Measure changes over time that occur as a result of chronic lung diseases.
- Identify early changes in your lung function and, in some cases, help guide treatment.
- Detect narrowing of your airways.
- Decide how likely it is that inhaled medications may help with your symptoms.
- Show whether exposure to certain substances has altered your lung function.
- Estimate your risk of respiratory complications before undergoing surgery.
When would Spirometry be Needed ?
Your doctor may order spirometry if you have symptoms of lung or airway conditions. Some symptoms in which your healthcare provider may order spirometry include:
- Chest tightness, pain or pressure.
- Coughing, especially coughing with mucus.
- Difficulty taking a deep breath.
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea).
- Wheezing.
Is a Spirometry test Painful ?
No, a spirometry test isn’t painful.
However, you may feel dizzy, lightheaded or tired from breathing in and out so deeply. Blowing into the tube may also cause you to cough.
It takes about 30 minutes to complete the test.
