Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT)

What are Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT)

Pulmonary function tests are used to measure how well your lungs work, find out what is causing your lung problems, and figure out the best treatment for you. You may have PFTs:

  • When you have an illness involving the lungs.
  • To follow changes in your lung function over time if you have a chronic lung disease.
  • If you are an industrial plant worker. This checks the effects of being exposed to chemicals over a long period of time.
  • To check lung function before having surgery or other procedures.
  • To check your lungs if you smoke.
  • To check if prescribed medicines or treatments are helping your lungs.

Your results will be compared to the expected lung function of someone with healthy lungs who is similar to you in:

  • Age.
  • Gender.
  • Height.
  • Weight.
  • Race or ethnicity.

This is done to show how your lungs compare to normal lung function (percent predicted). This is how your health care provider knows if your lung function is normal or not. If you have had PFTs done before, your health care provider will compare your current results with past results. This shows if your lung function is better, worse, or the same as before.

Tell a health care provider about:

  • Any allergies you have.
  • All medicines you are taking, including inhaler or nebulizer medicines, vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
  • Any blood disorders you have.
  • Any surgeries you have had, especially recent eye surgery, abdominal surgery, or chest surgery. These can make PFTs difficult or unsafe.
  • Any medical conditions you have, including chest pain or heart problems, tuberculosis, or respiratory infections such as pneumonia, a cold, or the flu.
  • Any fear of being in closed spaces (claustrophobia). Some of your tests may be in a closed space.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

  • Light-headedness due to over-breathing (hyperventilation).
  • An asthma attack from deep breathing.
  • A collapsed lung.

What happens before the procedure?

  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider. If you take inhaler or nebulizer medicines, ask your health care provider which medicines you should take on the day of your testing. Some inhaler medicines may interfere with PFTs if they are taken shortly before the tests.
  • Follow your health care provider’s instructions on eating and drinking restrictions. This may include avoiding eating large meals and drinking alcohol before the testing.
  • Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
  • Wear comfortable clothing that will not interfere with breathing.

What happens during the procedure?

  • You will be given a soft nose clip to wear. This is done so all of your breaths will go through your mouth instead of your nose.
  • You will be given a germ-free (sterile) mouthpiece. It will be attached to a machine that measures your breathing (spirometer).
  • You will be asked to do various breathing maneuvers. The maneuvers will be done by breathing in (inhaling) and breathing out (exhaling). You may be asked to repeat the maneuvers several times before the testing is done.
  • It is important to follow the instructions exactly to get accurate results. Make sure to blow as hard and as fast as you can when you are told to do so.
  • You may be given a medicine that makes the small air passages in your lungs larger (bronchodilator) after testing has been done. This medicine will make it easier for you to breathe.
  • The tests will be repeated after the bronchodilator has taken effect.
  • You will be monitored carefully during the procedure for faintness, dizziness, trouble breathing, or any other problems.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

  • It is up to you to get your test results. Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the tests, when your results will be ready. After you have received your test results, talk with your health care provider about treatment options, if necessary.

Summary

  • Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are used to measure how well your lungs work, find out what is causing your lung problems, and figure out the best treatment for you.
  • Wear comfortable clothing that will not interfere with breathing.
  • It is up to you to get your test results. After you have received them, talk with your health care provider about treatment options, if necessary.
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