Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are a group of non-invasive tests that measure lung capacity, airflow, and gas exchange efficiency. They help evaluate respiratory health, diagnose lung diseases, and monitor the effectiveness of treatments.

Applications

• Diagnosis of Lung Conditions: Identifies disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and bronchitis.
• Pre-Surgical Evaluation: Assesses lung function before surgery.
• Monitoring Progress: Tracks the effectiveness of treatments or progression of respiratory diseases.
• Occupational Health: Evaluates lung health in individuals exposed to dust, fumes, or chemicals.

Types of PFTs

• Spirometry: Measures the amount and speed of air inhaled and exhaled. Commonly used for asthma and COPD.
• Lung Volume Test: Determines the total lung capacity.
• Diffusion Capacity Test: Evaluates how well oxygen passes from the lungs to the blood.
• Peak Flow Measurement: Assesses maximum airflow during forced exhalation.

Procedure

Patients breathe into a mouthpiece connected to a machine that records lung function. The tests are painless, quick, and often require simple instructions, such as deep breathing or forceful exhalation.

Benefits

• Early Detection: Identifies lung issues before symptoms become severe.
• Non-Invasive: Safe and requires no incisions or radiation.
• Customizable: Tailored to individual patient needs for accurate results.