Pulmonary Function Tests

Pulmonary function tests (also called Lung function tests) are non invasive tests that measure how efficiently the lungs are functioning. This includes how well the lungs inhale and exhale air and how well they transfer oxygen to the rest of the body. The three main pulmonary function tests include Spirometry, Plethysmography test, Diffusion capacity tests.

Spirometry

Spirometry is the most basic test. It measures the amount of air you can breathe in and how much air you can forcefully blow out of your lungs. Spirometry can evaluate a broad range of lung diseases. It is especially used for the evaluation of obstructive lung diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Procedure

Your doctor may provide you certain instructions to help you prepare for a spirometry test. You may be asked not to take your breathing medicines before the test.

In a spirometry test, you will be sitting upright and be fitted with a mouthpiece connected to the spirometry machine. A clip will be placed on your nose to keep you from breathing air out through the nose. Then, you will be asked to breathe in and out as deep and fast as you can. The test is repeated at least three times to get the best result.

Lung volume measurement (Plethysmography)

Plethysmography measures the amount of air your lungs can hold after you take in a deep breath. In addition, plethysmography measures the amount of air left in your lungs after you exhale as much as you can.

Procedure

During plethysmography, you will be sitting in an airtight room with a large window. A nose clip will be attached to your nose and you will be asked to hold the mouthpiece and breathe in and out. During this time, the technologist observes the changes in pressure and takes the readings. This whole process takes about 20 minutes to complete. Plethysmography is not at all painful; however the patient might experience shortness of breath or lightheadedness.

Diffusion capacity test

Diffusion capacity test evaluates how well your lungs transfer oxygen into the bloodstream from the air you breathe. It is performed to determine the presence of certain lung diseases.

Procedure

During a lung diffusion test, you will be asked to inhale a very small amount of carbon monoxide and gas traces like methane or helium. You will hold your breath for 10 seconds and then rapidly breathe out. The exhaled gas is collected and is measured to determine how much carbon monoxide your lungs absorbed. The difference in the amount inhaled and the amount exhaled tells your doctor how well your lungs transfer oxygen to your bloodstream.

Risks of pulmonary function tests

Since pulmonary function tests are non invasive, there are no significant risks. Certain risk associated are- * Patient might feel dizziness during the test * If you have asthma, the test may cause an asthma attack * Some patients may feel claustrophobic during a lung volume test.

Why are Pulmonary Function Tests performed?

Pulmonary function tests are usually performed to diagnose lungs related diseases such as: * Asthma * Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) * Chronic bronchitis * Allergies


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