Pulmonary Function Testing

Pulmonary function testing (PFT) refers to a group of tests that measure how well your lungs are performing. Pulmonary function tests are often done to diagnose certain types of lung disease such as bronchitis, asthma or emphysema. However, there are other reasons that someone may suggest a PFT. If you are looking for pulmonary function testing near you, but don’t know what to expect, FastMed can help.

Pulmonary Function Testing Near Me: How Should I Prepare? How is the Test Performed? Why Would I need a PFT?

How should I prepare for my Pulmonary function test?

Avoid smoking for at least 4 hours before the test.
Eat light
If you are on inhaler medications, your healthcare provider should give you specific instructions regarding whether or not you should stop use before the PFT.

How are PFTs performed?

Through spirometry, which measures airflow and can evaluate a range of lung diseases by recording the rate of air you breathe in and out.
Through Lung volume measurement, which often requires a patient to sit in a sealed area that actually resembles a phone booth while breathing into a mouthpiece that measures lung volume.
To measure diffusion capacity, they may have you breathe in a tracer gas for one short breath to estimate how well your lungs move oxygen from the air into the bloodstream.

Pulmonary Function Testing Near Me: How Should I Prepare? How is the Test Performed? Why Would I need a PFT?

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