Why do we need a pulmonary function test?

• Diagnosis of lung diseases: These tests can help diagnose lung diseases that have similar symptoms, such as asthma and chronic bronchitis.
• Evaluating the severity of the disease: Pulmonary function tests can help your doctor determine the severity of your lung disease and monitor the progress of the disease.
• Evaluation of treatment effectiveness: These tests can help the doctor evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments for lung disease.
• Predicting surgical complications: Before performing surgeries on the chest or abdomen, the doctor may prescribe a pulmonary function test to evaluate the function of the lungs.

Types of pulmonary function tests

• Spirometry: is the most common type of pulmonary function test that measures how much air you can breathe in and out of your lungs.
• Body plethysmography: This test measures the volume of air in your lungs.
• Diffusing capacity test: This test measures the amount of oxygen that is carried from your lungs into your blood.
• Exercise tests: These tests evaluate how well your lungs function during exercise.

How is the pulmonary function test performed?

During a pulmonary function test, you will be asked to breathe in and out through a mouthpiece. A device is attached to the mouthpiece that measures the amount of air and the speed of the air flow. You may be asked not to take certain medications before the test.

Preparation for pulmonary function test

• Do not smoke before the test.
• Before the test, avoid certain medications that may affect the test results. The doctor will tell you what medicines you should stop.
• Wear comfortable clothes.

Is pulmonary function test painful?

Pulmonary function testing is a non-invasive procedure and usually not painful. You may feel some discomfort during the test, but this discomfort is usually short-lived.

What do pulmonary function test results mean?

Your doctor will interpret the results of the pulmonary function test and based on the results, provide you with the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.

What happens if my pulmonary function test results are abnormal?

If your pulmonary function test results are abnormal, your doctor may order other tests to determine the cause.

Pulmonary function testing is an important diagnostic tool for lung diseases. If you have symptoms such as shortness of breath, chronic cough, or wheezing, your doctor may prescribe a pulmonary function test.

Pulmonary diseases detected by pulmonary function tests

Pulmonary function tests (PFT) are valuable tools for the diagnosis and evaluation of a wide range of lung diseases. By measuring air volume, air flow rate and gas exchange in the lungs, these tests help doctors evaluate lung function and diagnose the following diseases:

• Asthma: Asthma is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Pulmonary function tests can help diagnose asthma, assess its severity, and monitor response to treatment.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD includes diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema characterized by airway obstruction and reduced airflow. Pulmonary function tests play an important role in diagnosing and evaluating the severity of COPD.
• Fibrosis of air sacs (idiopathic): This disease is characterized by the creation of scar tissue in the lungs and causes a decrease in the volume of the lungs and shortness of breath. Pulmonary function tests can help diagnose fibrosis of the air sacs.
• Bronchiectasis: This disease is characterized by dilation and destruction of the airways and is usually associated with frequent infections. Pulmonary function tests can help diagnose bronchiectasis
• Occupational asthma: This type of asthma is caused by exposure to irritants in the workplace. Pulmonary function tests can help diagnose occupational asthma.
• Pulmonary allergies: Allergies to pollen, dust and other allergens can cause inflammation of the airways and breathing problems. Pulmonary function tests can help evaluate the severity of pulmonary allergies.
• Lung Tumors: Pulmonary function tests can help evaluate lung function in patients with lung tumors and also help determine how far the tumor has spread.

Interpretation of pulmonary function test results

The interpretation of pulmonary function test results is done by a specialist doctor. The results of these tests are usually presented in the form of graphs and numbers. By comparing your results with normal values, the doctor can diagnose the disease and assess its severity.

The most important parameters measured in pulmonary function tests are:

• Tidal Volume: The amount of air that enters and leaves the lungs during each normal breath.
• Vital capacity: The maximum amount of air that can be exhaled after a deep breath.
• One Second Forced Air Flow (FEV1): The amount of air that can be exhaled in one second at maximum speed.
• FEV1/FVC ratio: ratio of forced airflow in one second to vital capacity.

Changes in these parameters can indicate the presence of various lung diseases:

• FeV1 decrease: is usually seen in obstructive diseases such as asthma and COPD.
• Decreased vital capacity: Usually seen in restrictive diseases such as alveolar fibrosis.
• Decreased FEV1/FVC ratio: is usually seen in obstructive diseases.

Side effects of pulmonary function tests

Pulmonary function tests usually do not have serious side effects. Some people may feel uncomfortable or dizzy during the test. In rare cases, bronchial spasms or asthma attacks may occur in people with this disease.

The difference between pulmonary function tests and other breathing tests

• Pulmonary function tests: These tests evaluate the overall function of the lungs and help diagnose lung diseases.
• Imaging tests: Such as chest X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are used to evaluate the structure of the lungs and diagnose diseases such as tumors and infections.
• Blood tests: Blood tests are used to check for infection, inflammation, and other markers of lung disease.
• Sputum test: Examination of sputum is used to diagnose bacterial or fungal infections.
• Allergy test: Used to diagnose respiratory allergies.

As a result, pulmonary function tests are an important diagnostic tool for evaluating lung function and diagnosing lung diseases. These tests, along with other clinical tests and examinations, help doctors provide accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for patients with lung diseases.