PFT

Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is a complete evaluation of the respiratory system including patient history, physical examinations, and tests of pulmonary function. The primary purpose of pulmonary function testing is to identify the severity of pulmonary impairment. Pulmonary function testing has diagnostic and therapeutic roles and helps clinicians answer some general questions about patients with lung disease.

Overview

PFTs are non-invasive tests that show how well the lungs are working. The tests measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange. This information can help your healthcare provider diagnose and decide the treatment of certain lung disorders.

Types of Tests

There are 2 types of disorders that cause problems with air moving in and out of the lungs:

• Obstructive. This is when air has trouble flowing out of the lungs due to resistance. This causes a decreased flow of oxygen into the body. Examples include asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.
• Restrictive. This is when the chest muscles can't expand enough. This creates problems with air flow, mostly due to lower amounts of oxygen getting into the body. Examples include pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, and lung cancer.

Uses

PFTs are usually done to:

• Diagnose certain types of lung disease such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema
• Find the cause of shortness of breath
• Measure whether exposure to chemicals at work affects lung function
• Check lung function before someone has surgery

Risks

PFTs are generally safe for most people. However, because the test may require rapid breathing and can sometimes cause shortness of breath, it may not be suitable for patients with certain medical conditions, like recent heart attacks or unstable angina.

Preparation

Before performing PFTs, it is important for a patient to understand what will happen and why the test is being done. The healthcare provider will explain the procedure and the patient can ask questions.

Procedure

During PFTs, a patient breathes into a mouthpiece attached to a machine. The machine measures the amount of air the patient breathes in and out over a certain period of time.

Results

The results of PFTs can help a healthcare provider diagnose a range of respiratory diseases and conditions. They can also help monitor the effectiveness of treatment for certain conditions, and can help assess a patient for surgery.

See also

• Spirometry
• Lung volumes
• Lung capacities
• Diffusing capacity
• Arterial blood gas

PFT Resources
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