PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTS

Pulmonary function tests measure the volume and the rate of airflow in the lungs. The purpose of the pulmonary function test is to diagnose and measure the severity of breathing problems.

This test is accurate only if the patient cooperates by breathing properly into the mouthpiece. During the test, the patient may be required to breathe normally, or to breathe in and out as deeply and completely as possible. The measurement requiring the most effort is blowing (exhaling) into the mouthpiece as quickly and completely as possible.

By measuring a variety of breathing functions, the pulmonary function test can determine more than a dozen lung measurements. These measurements are helpful in diagnosing diseases of the lung, the effectiveness of treatment and the progression of the disease.

If scheduled for a pulmonary function test, eat only a light meal and do not smoke for 4 to 6 hours before. Patients with asthma may be instructed to stop their asthma medication for a specific period before the test. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider about withholding any medications prior to the test.

The test is painless and time is allowed for resting between the different breathing measurements. The technician conducting the test will instruct you on how to breathe and encourage you during your efforts. Most of the measurements are repeated 3 or more times. Patients are carefully monitored for any signs of distress.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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