Pulmonary function test is performed to measure the strength of your lungs. It is used to see how well you move air in and out of your lungs and how well your lungs deliver oxygen to your blood. It is helpful in detecting if you have diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Indications
- Evaluation of symptoms such as chronic cough and shortness of breath
- Measure disease progression and response to therapy
- Evaluate effects of occupational and environmental exposure at work
- Risk evaluation for surgery
Types
- Spirometry: This test measures how much air you can breathe into your lungs and how much air you can quickly blow out of your lungs. Often times, medication (albuterol) is given to see if the airways become larger to help you breathe better.
- Lung Volumes: This test measures how much air is left in your lung after you breathe out completely. Also checks for total lung capacity .
- Diffusion Test: This test measures how well oxygen in the air you breathe moves from your lungs to your blood.
- 6 Minute Walk test: A standard test to check the oxygen saturation with a portable Pulse ox monitor, while walking.
- Negative Inspiratory Force: A test to measure the strength of the breathing muscles
