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Pulmonary Function Test

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are a group of non-invasive tests that measure how well the lungs are working. They evaluate lung volume, capacity, flow rates, and gas exchange. PFTs help diagnose and monitor lung diseases, assess severity, and guide treatment decisions.

These tests are especially useful in conditions like asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, and pre-operative evaluation for thoracic surgery.

Types of Pulmonary Function Tests

1. Spirometry

• Most common and basic test
• Measures: FVC (Forced Vital Capacity), FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second), FEV1/FVC ratio
• Identifies obstructive or restrictive lung patterns

2. Lung Volumes

• Measured by body plethysmography or gas dilution techniques
• Assesses: Total Lung Capacity (TLC), Residual Volume (RV), Helps differentiate restrictive diseases

3. Diffusing Capacity for Carbon Monoxide (DLCO)

• Measures how well oxygen passes from lungs into the blood
• Decreased in interstitial lung diseases, emphysema, pulmonary hypertension

4. Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR)

• Often used in asthma to monitor disease control
• Can be done with a simple handheld device

Indications

• Diagnosis of respiratory symptoms (e.g., chronic cough, breathlessness)
• Differentiating obstructive vs. restrictive lung disease
• Monitoring disease progression (e.g., COPD, ILD)
• Pre-operative lung assessment
• Evaluation of treatment response
• Occupational lung health screening