Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are noninvasive tests that show how well the lungs are functioning. The tests measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow, and gas exchange. This information can help your healthcare provider diagnose and plan the line treatment of certain lung disorders. PFTs may be used to check lung function before surgery or other procedures in patients who have lung or heart problems, who are smokers, or who have other health conditions. Normal values for PFTs vary from person to person. The amount of air inhaled and exhaled in your test results are compared to the average for someone of the same age, height, sex, and race. Results are also compared to any of your previous test results. If you have abnormal PFT measurements or if your results have changed, you may need other tests.
Why might I need pulmonary function tests?
- Allergies
- Respiratory infections
- Trouble breathing from injury to the chest or a recent surgery
- Chronic lung conditions, such as asthma, bronchiectasis, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis
- Asbestosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers
- Restrictive airway problems from scoliosis, tumors, or inflammation or scarring of the lungs
- Sarcoidosis, a disease that causes lumps of inflammatory cells around organs, such as the liver, lungs, and spleen
- Scleroderma, a disease that causes thickening and hardening of connective tissue
- Damaged or scarred lung tissue
- Weakness of the muscles in the wall of the chest
- Lung cancer
Prevention is better than cure and early detection can be a boon to you your wellbeing. We at ACCORD Hospitals have highly skilled technicians and renowned consultants that will help perform your test seamlessly and evaluate your test results.
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