Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) - Everything You Need to Know
PFTs (pulmonary function tests) are noninvasive examinations that demonstrate how effectively the lungs are functioning. The examinations gauge lung size, function, flow rates, and gas exchange. Your healthcare professional may use this information to diagnose and treat some lung conditions.
Two conditions affect how air enters and leaves the lungs:
Obstructive. This occurs when airway resistance makes it difficult for air to exit the lungs. Airflow is reduced as a result of this.
Restrictive: This occurs when the chest muscles or lung tissue cannot expand sufficiently. Airflow issues result from this, primarily because of smaller lung capacities.
PFT is possible using two techniques. Depending on the data your healthcare professional needs, these 2 approaches may be combined to perform other tests:
Spirometry. A mouthpiece-equipped instrument called a spirometer is connected to a tiny electrical gadget.
Plethysmography. To conduct the tests, you must either sit or stand within an airtight box that resembles a brief, square telephone booth.
PFT assesses:
Tidal volume (VT). This is the volume of air that is normally breathed in or out.
Minute volume (MV). This represents the overall air breathed each minute.
Vital capacity (VC). The total amount of air that can be exhaled after taking in as much air as possible is this.
Functional residual capacity (FRC). This is the amount of air remaining in the lungs following a typical exhalation.
Residual volume. This is the amount of air that remains in the lungs after exhaling as much as possible.
Total lung capacity. This is the overall volume of the lungs when full of air.
Forced vital capacity (FVC). This is the amount of air expelled fast and violently after breathing as much as possible.
Forced expiratory volume (FEV). This is the amount of air that was expelled in the first, second, and third seconds of the FVC test.
Forced expiratory flow (FEF). This is the average flow rate for the FVC test's middle half.
Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). This is the fastest you can force air out of your lungs.
PFT normal values differ from person to person. The volume of air inhaled and exhaled in your test results is compared to the national average for people your age, height, gender, and race. The results are also compared to any previous test results you have. Other tests may be required if your PFT measurements are abnormal or if your results have altered.
Why Would Someone Get a PFT?
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) can be performed for a variety of reasons. They are sometimes performed on healthy adults as part of a standard physical examination. They are also routinely performed in specific types of workplaces to guarantee employee health (such as graphite factories and coal mines). PFTs may also be administered if your healthcare professional requires assistance in diagnosing a health concern, such as:
Allergies
Infections of the lungs
Breathing difficulties as a result of a chest injury or recent surgery
Asthma, bronchiectasis, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis are examples of chronic lung conditions.
Asbestosis is a lung illness induced by asbestos fiber inhalation.
Scoliosis, tumors, inflammation, or scarring of the lungs can all cause restricted airway difficulties.
Scleroderma is a condition that involves connective tissue thickening and hardening.
PFTs may be used to assess lung function before surgery or other procedures in individuals with lung or heart difficulties, smokers, or other health issues. PFTs are also used to evaluate treatment for asthma, emphysema, and other chronic lung diseases. Your healthcare physician may also recommend PFTs for other reasons.
Risks that are associated with Pulmonary Function Tests
Most people find pulmonary function testing to be safe and rapid because it is not an invasive process. However, the individual must be able to follow clear, basic instructions.
Every technique involves some level of risk. This examination may result in the following:
Dizziness.
Out-of-breath.
Coughing
In some circumstances, PFTs should be avoided. If you have had any of the following:
Increased pressure inside the eyes during the process.
Recent abdominal or chest surgery
Chest pain, a recent heart attack, or an unstable cardiac disease
An aneurysm is a swollen blood artery in the chest, abdomen, or brain.
Active tuberculosis (TB) or a respiratory infection, such as the common cold or flu
Your risks will vary according to your overall health and other circumstances. Inquire with your doctor about the hazards that are most relevant to you. Discuss any concerns you have with him or her.
Certain factors can reduce the accuracy of PFTs. These are some examples:
The level of cooperation and effort demonstrated by the patient
Use of anti-asthmatic medications (bronchodilators)
Use of analgesics
Pregnancy
Bloating in the stomach impairs the capacity to take deep breaths
Extreme exhaustion or other factors that impair a person's ability to do the tests (such as a head cold)
Preparation for Pulmonary Function Tests
Your healthcare expert will walk you through the procedure. If you have any questions, ask him or her. You may be asked to sign a consent document authorizing the examination. Read the form thoroughly. If something is unclear, ask questions.
Inform your doctor if you are taking any medications. Prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements are all included.
Make certain to:
If your healthcare practitioner advises you, you should stop using certain medications before the examination.
If your healthcare practitioner advises you to stop smoking before the test, do so. Ask your provider how long you should wait before quitting smoking.
If your healthcare provider instructs you, do not eat a substantial meal before the test.
Follow any further directions provided by your healthcare practitioner.
Before the test, your height and weight will be measured. This is done so that your results may be calculated correctly.
Pulmonary Function Tests procedure
Your operation may be performed as an outpatient. This means you will return home the same day. It could also be done as part of a lengthier hospital stay. The procedure may be performed in a variety of ways. It is determined by your condition and the methods used by your healthcare provider. In most cases, the procedure will go as follows:
You will be asked to remove any tight clothing, jewelry, or other items that may interfere with the procedure.
If you have dentures, you must wear them during the examination.
Before the procedure, you must empty your bladder.
You'll take a seat. Your nose will be clipped with a gentle clip. This is to ensure that you are breathing normally.
Your mouth will form a tight seal over the mouthpiece. You'll be told to inhale and exhale in various ways.
During the process, you will be closely monitored for dizziness, difficulty breathing, or other complications.
Following certain tests, you may be given a bronchodilator. After the bronchodilator has taken action, the tests will be repeated several minutes later.
Body condition after doing Pulmonary Function Tests
You may feel weary following the tests if you have a history of lung or breathing difficulties. Following that, you will be allowed to rest. Your test results will be discussed with you by your healthcare provider.
