About LUNG (PULMONARY) FUNCTION TEST

Lung function tests (LFTs), also known as pulmonary function tests (PFTs), are a series of tests that measure how well your lungs work. These tests can help diagnose lung diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis.

There are several different types of lung function tests, but the most common ones are:

• Spirometry: This test measures how much air you can forcefully exhale after taking a deep breath. It can also measure how quickly you can exhale air.
• Lung volume tests: These tests measure the total amount of air that your lungs can hold, and how much air remains in your lungs after you exhale as much as you can.
• Lung diffusion capacity test: This test measures how well oxygen passes from your lungs into your bloodstream.

Lung function tests are usually performed in a doctor's office or a hospital outpatient clinic. The tests are painless and take about 30 minutes to complete.

Here are some reasons why your doctor might order lung function tests:

• To diagnose a lung disease
• To monitor the progression of a lung disease
• To assess the effectiveness of treatment for a lung disease
• To screen for lung disease in people who are at high risk, such as smokers

If you have any concerns about your lung health, talk to your doctor. They can determine if lung function tests are right for you.