Pulmonary function test - what is it used for?
Pulmonary Function Test or PFT is a non-invasive medical procedure used for checking how your lung works. Usually, PFTs are done as a part of routine checkups in an otherwise healthy individual, or they are done routinely in certain work environments like coal mines for employee safety. It is also used to diagnose COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)and asthma and also to rule out asthma.
As a non-invasive procedure, PFTs are a safe and simple procedure and do not involve putting any tools inside the patient's body or cutting them open. The person taking the test must be able to follow clear and simple instructions. PFTs are safe; however, there are a few risks that include an asthma attack, coughing, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Let's check the types of PFTs that are done to diagnose or rule out various respiratory diseases.
Bronchial Provocation Test
After having a checkup, if you or your doctor suspects that you have asthma, a bronchial provocation test is used. It is used to rule out any possibilities of you having asthma as the main cause of other symptoms you might be having. It evaluates how sensitive your lungs are and the severity of your asthma if you happen to have it.
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test
A cardiopulmonary exercise test or CPET is an exercise stress test that measures heart and lung strength. It is used to evaluate how your lungs, heart, muscles, and blood vessels perform during physical exertion.
Lung Diffusion Capacity Test
The lung diffusion capacity test is used to evaluate how alveoli, which are the small air sacs present inside the lungs, work. The test is used to check how your lungs transfer oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) to and from your blood vessels. With this test, it can be checked how much your air sacs are destroyed by diseases like emphysema.
Exhaled Nitric Oxide Test
This test is used to check the nitric oxide levels in your breath. An increased nitric oxide level in the breath can be due to allergic asthma or inflammation in your airway. So with this test, the nitric oxide levels in your breath are determined for further treatment and to reduce inflammation.
Plethysmography Test
This test is used to determine the volume of air in your lungs when you're inhaling, and it also checks the volume of air that remains after you've exhaled fully. Your doctor can prescribe this test to check how much your lungs have been damaged due to asthma or COPD and if any change of treatment is required at the current instance.
Pulse Oximetry Test
This Pulse Oximetry Test is used for evaluating the oxygen levels in your red blood cells. The results of this test are obtained instantaneously after it is taken. Oxygen levels around 95% are a sign of healthy lung function; however, oxygen levels lower than this can be a sign of asthma, COPD, or pneumonia. A pulse oximetry test is also widely used to check the respiratory status of Covid-19 affected patients.
Spirometry Test
This test is used for measuring how much air you can inhale and exhale. It is used to diagnose all kinds of respiratory diseases or breathing problems.
Why is Pulmonary Function Test Used?
PFTs are prescribed by healthcare providers to diagnose respiratory problems and chronic lung conditions like the following.
Asthma
chronic bronchitis, which is also known as a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Lung allergies,
Respiratory infections
Asbestosis, which is caused due to exposure to asbestos
Emphysema
Lung fibrosis
Conclusion
Even though the pulmonary function test falls under general diagnostic testing, it can be very helpful in diagnosing severe or non-serious respiratory illnesses. So, in order to ensure your good health, you should take the doctor's advice and get the pulmonary function test at MediPulse Hospital Jodhpur to ensure you get the best testing facilities that are safe, accurate, and quick in delivering the reports. For more detailed information, check out the hospital website.