Do you sometimes feel a little short of breath? Or do you have a tightness in your chest or a persistent cough? These things can be signs of a problem with your lungs. So, if your doctor wants to know exactly how well your lungs are working, there is a simple, painless test they can ask you to do. That's what we call Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) .
Simply put, what is Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)?
Think of it like taking your car to a service center to see if the engine is working properly. PFT is also a set of tests that measure how well the 'engine' called our lungs is working, how efficiently we inhale and exhale. Some people also call these 'Lung Function Tests'.
These tests mainly look at:
- How fast and how much air can you inhale and exhale?
- How much air can your lungs hold?
- How well do your lungs absorb oxygen into your blood?
- Sometimes, they also look at how your lungs respond when you exercise.
The most important thing is that these tests are not painful in any way. And they are not noninvasive tests that involve inserting cameras or other devices into the body. So there is no reason to be afraid.
What are the main types of PFTs?
The PFT is not a single test, but a combination of several tests. Depending on your symptoms and what your doctor is looking for, one or more of these tests may be done.
| Name of the test | What is simply measured? |
|---|---|
| Spirometry | This is the most common test. It measures how much air you can inhale and exhale, as well as how fast you can exhale. |
| Lung Volumes or Body Plethysmography | The total amount of air in your lungs is measured during different stages of inhalation and exhalation. This is done while you sit in a small glass chamber. |
| Gas Diffusion Study | It measures how well gases, such as oxygen, are transferred from your lungs to your blood. |
| Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) | It measures how your heart, lungs, and muscles work together when you exercise (like walking on a treadmill). |
In what situations would a doctor tell you to do a PFT?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms or suspect a medical condition. It can also be done as part of a routine medical examination, even if you don't have any symptoms.
If you have symptoms like these...
- If you feel tightness, pain, or pressure in your chest.
- A persistent cough , especially if it is a cough that produces mucus.
- If it's hard to take a deep breath.
- If you have shortness of breath .
- If you hear a whistling sound (wheezing) when breathing.
Identify or monitor these types of conditions...
PFT tests can greatly help your doctor diagnose conditions such as:
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Pulmonary Fibrosis ( thickening of lung tissue)
- Weakness of breathing muscles
- Narrowing of the trachea
In addition, PFT tests can help measure the damage to a smoker's lungs, see how well medications are improving breathing, and determine whether your lungs can withstand major surgery.
How should I prepare before the test?
This doesn't require much preparation. However, to get the most accurate results from the test, your doctor may ask you to:
- If you are taking an inhaler or other medication for breathing difficulties, please refrain from using it for a few hours before the test. Your doctor will give you clear instructions on this.
- Don't wear tight, constricting clothing , but wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- Avoid strenuous exercise the day before or the morning of the test.
- Avoid smoking completely before the test.
- Before the test , eat a full meal and avoid drinking caffeine- containing beverages such as tea and coffee.
What happens on the day of the test?
This test is usually done in a special pulmonary function lab at a hospital or clinic. It is performed by a respiratory therapist who has received special training for this purpose.
During the test
1. Basic information: First, they will record some information about you, such as your height, weight, age, and gender. This information is needed to compare your results with the average values for your age and height.
2. Equipment: You will be given a small clip on your nose to practice breathing through your mouth. You will then be given a mouthpiece that you can hold in your mouth. This is connected to a machine that measures your breathing (spirometer).
3. Breathing: Next, the examiner will give you instructions on how to breathe in and out. For example, they will say things like, "Take a deep breath in... now breathe out as fast and hard as you can!"
4. Body Plethysmography: If you have a Body Plethysmography test, you will be placed inside a transparent, airtight chamber for a few minutes. If you are claustrophobic , let the examiner know ahead of time. They will help you feel more comfortable.
The entire test usually takes between 15 and 45 minutes . If you feel tired, please let us know. You will be given the opportunity to rest between parts of the test.
Let's learn about the risks and after the test.
After the test is over, you can resume any medications you were told to stop. You can also resume your normal activities and exercise. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded during the test, they will monitor you until the symptoms go away and then send you home.
Is there a risk?
The PFT is a very safe test. However, some people may feel a little dizzy or tired because of the deep breathing and exhalation. They may also experience a slight cough because of the forceful blowing into the mouthpiece. All of these symptoms will go away after a short while after the test.
Very rarely, and I mean very rarely, something like a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) can happen. If you have had a recent heart attack or other heart condition, it is important to inform the doctor and the examiner in advance.
About the results
You will receive your results within a few days. Your doctor will compare your results with normal values for your age and height to give you a clear idea of how well your lungs are working.
Important: This test is not a "pass" or "fail" test. If your results are abnormal, it does not mean you have "failed." It simply means that your doctor can diagnose your condition and plan the treatment that you need.
If you haven't heard back from your doctor within a few days, don't hesitate to ask your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are a series of simple, painless tests that measure how well your lungs are working.
- This test is essential to diagnose and monitor respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD.
- It is very important to follow the doctor's instructions (such as stopping medication, avoiding smoking) before the test to obtain accurate results.
- You may feel a little dizzy during the test, but this is normal and will go away soon. There is no need to worry.
- If you notice any changes in your breathing pattern, such as a persistent cough, see your doctor immediately for advice.
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