Pulmonary Function (PFT)

Common types of PFTs are spirometry, diffusion studies and body plethysmography, which are each procedures conducted in order to determine how well you move air in and out of your lungs and how efficiently oxygen enters your bloodstream.

According to the American Thoracic Society, PFTs can be used to:

• Compare your lung function with known standards that show how well your lungs should be working.
• Measure the effect of chronic diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), or cystic fibrosis on lung function.
• Identify early changes in lung function that might show a need for a change in treatment.
• Detect narrowing in the airways.
• Decide if a medicine (such as a bronchodilator) could be helpful to use.
• Show whether exposure to substances in your home or workplace may have harmed your lungs.
• Determine your ability to tolerate surgery and medical problems.

Read the full article to understand more about the various types of PFTs.