The PFT (pulmonary function test) is a test that measures the health of your lungs. Lung function test is another name for these tests. Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) is the full name of the test. These tests can tell you if you're having trouble breathing or if your lungs are doing a good job of transferring oxygen to all of your cells.
The PFT for asthma diagnosis and the diagnostic tests for lung cancer are two examples of tests that patients with respiratory ailments or those suspected to have respiratory issues must undertake.
Here's a short explanation of what a PFT lung test is: it's a noninvasive testing that not only identifies lung disorders but also aids in treatment planning based on the specific type of lung problem being diagnosed. As part of the PFT, the lungs are tested in a variety of ways.
These tests reveal the integrity & size of the lung capillary bed, lung parenchyma, and the tiny and large airways. They also serve as a useful lung infection screening tool.
PFT spirometry is indeed the simplest of the tests. Lung capacity and force of air ejection are both assessed using this PFT technique. PFTs also include a lung capacity test, which measures lung volume, airflow, and gas exchange, as well as lung size and volume.
PFTs aren't just for persons with lung or respiratory issues; they can also be used as part of a routine health examination for healthy people. They should have a PFT if they work in coal mines or graphite factories as they are more prone to respiratory difficulties.
This can range from Rs. 300 up to 1500, based on the kind of PFT test.
The ability of your lungs to operate and their capacity can be assessed via the use of several measurements and diagnostic techniques known as Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs). Types of PFTs include:
Spirometry
In order to determine how much air you can inhale and exhale at a given moment, a simple & straightforward breathing test is used here. Breathing tests will be conducted using sensors (PFT machine) and an inhalation tube, and the doctor will inquire whether you are having difficulties breathing at any point in the process.
Gas exchange tests
In this test, the amount of oxygen flowing from your lungs to your blood is measured. Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor may have you hold your breath for a short period of time and then ask you to breathe slowly and deeply.
Lung volume tests
As you inhale and exhale this test measures your lungs' capacity to hold gas. This PFT is performed on a plethysmograph, PFT equipment. Breathe in / out or pant as necessary during this test, which requires you to sit comfortably. Asthma and pulmonary fibrosis (pulmonary fibrosis test) can be diagnosed using this test.
Others
iMaximal Voluntary Ventilation, oxygen titration, PFT with DLCO, Expiratory and Inspiratory muscle pressure testing, methacholine challenge test, 6-minute walking test, compliance test, Impulse Oscillation, cardiopulmonary exercise and high altitude computation test are some of the other tests included in PFTs.
If you have a condition like asthma or COPD that affects your breathing, you'll need to have all of these pulmonary function tests done in order to get an accurate diagnosis of what's wrong with the respiratory system.
The PFTs usually have no negative side effects. It is natural for some patients to feel weary after the exam. Once you've completed the test, you can return to your daily routine.