Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) is a comprehensive assessment of lung performance that measures how well air flows in and out of the lungs and how efficiently the lungs transfer oxygen into the blood. It is used to evaluate conditions like asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, chronic cough, and unexplained breathlessness. PFT provides vital information about lung capacity, airway obstruction, and overall respiratory health, helping doctors diagnose diseases early, monitor progress, and adjust treatment plans more accurately.
- PFT measures lung volumes and airflow to detect airway narrowing as seen in asthma and COPD, helping determine disease severity and response to treatment.
- It evaluates the lungs’ ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream (DLCO), which helps diagnose interstitial lung diseases and pulmonary vascular problems.
- The test identifies restrictive patterns where lung expansion is limited due to fibrosis, obesity, or chest wall abnormalities.
- PFT is essential for monitoring long-term respiratory conditions, assessing treatment effectiveness, and planning fitness for surgery.
- Results help tailor personalized management strategies, including inhalers, medications, rehabilitation, and lifestyle modifications to improve respiratory health.