Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are critical diagnostic tools used by medical professionals to assess lung health and determine the causes of breathing issues. These non-invasive tests measure how well your lungs inhale, exhale, and exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
If you have experienced shortness of breath, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing, your doctor may recommend a pulmonary function test to better understand your symptoms.
Let us discuss the conditions that PFTs can diagnose, providing you with a better understanding of the role these tests play in maintaining lung health.
Understanding Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary function tests are a group of non-invasive procedures conducted to evaluate lung function. These tests measure several factors, including lung volume, capacity, airflow, and gas exchange. PFTs are painless and involve breathing in and out of a device called a spirometer.
Your healthcare provider may order a PFT if you show symptoms like persistent coughing, wheezing, or difficulty performing daily activities due to shortness of breath. Some pulmonary function tests you may encounter include:
- Spirometry to measure airflow and detect conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Lung volume tests that assess how much air your lungs can hold.
- Gas diffusion study to measure how well your lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide with the blood.
- Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) to measure how well your heart, lungs, and muscles work while you are exercising or doing physical activity.
Now, let us explore the specific diseases and conditions that can be diagnosed using pulmonary function tests.
Diseases Diagnosed Using Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary function tests can identify a variety of lung-related diseases. Below are some of the most common conditions that PFTs help diagnose.
1. Asthma
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. A spirometry test can measure airflow obstruction and confirm an asthma diagnosis.
These tests also help in determining the severity of asthma and monitoring its management.
2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a progressive lung disease that obstructs airflow and makes it difficult to breathe. It includes conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Pulmonary function tests can detect airflow limitations and assess the degree of lung damage caused by COPD.
3. Pulmonary Fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis occurs when the lung tissue becomes scarred and stiffened, reducing lung elasticity and making breathing difficult.
Tests such as lung volume measurements and diffusion capacity can evaluate the extent of lung damage due to fibrosis.
4. Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is a condition characterized by the growth of inflammatory cells in the lungs and other organs. Pulmonary function tests help identify respiratory impairments caused by this condition and monitor its progression over time.
5. Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that affects the respiratory system by causing mucus build-up in the lungs. Pulmonary function tests measure the airflow and overall lung function, which are essential in managing this disease and evaluating response to treatments.
6. Interstitial Lung Disease
This group of disorders causes lung inflammation and scarring. Pulmonary function tests are crucial in diagnosing these diseases, determining their severity, and evaluating treatment effectiveness.
7. Occupational Lung Diseases
Exposure to environmental toxins like coal dust, asbestos, or chemicals can lead to occupational lung diseases. Pulmonary function tests can identify these diseases early, often before significant symptoms develop.
8. Lung Cancer (Pre- and Post-Surgery Evaluation)
While PFTs cannot directly diagnose lung cancer, they play a significant role in evaluating lung function before and after surgeries, such as lung resection. They help determine whether a patient can safely undergo certain procedures.
Benefits of Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary function tests are vital for several reasons. First, they enable early diagnosis of lung diseases, improving the effectiveness of treatment plans. Early intervention can prevent disease progression and reduce long-term complications.
Additionally, PFTs help monitor chronic conditions like asthma or COPD, ensuring treatments remain effective over time.
If you are experiencing unexplained breathing difficulties, get your pulmonary function test done immediately.
Pulmonary Function Test in Irmo, SC
If you or a loved one needs a pulmonary function test, finding a reputable healthcare provider is essential for accurate results and proper care.
At SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation, we are proud to offer advanced diagnostic services, including pulmonary function tests, to assess lung health and guide effective treatment plans. In addition to diagnostic services, we provide comprehensive, compassionate primary care tailored to meet each patient’s needs.
Call us today at (803) 749-1111 to schedule your pulmonary function test, or fill out our appointment request form to schedule your visit. We look forward to serving you!
