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Provides information on how a pulmonary function test is performed.
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Getting to the bottom of your breathing issues
If you are having trouble breathing, your doctor may ask you to take a breathing test called a pulmonary function test. This test measures how well your lungs are functioning and the results will help you and your doctor find out what’s causing the problem.
Pulmonary function tests (sometimes called a PFT) help diagnose lung conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. If you have already been diagnosed with a particular lung condition, a pulmonary function test can also determine how well the medication you’re taking for the condition is working.
A pulmonary function testing is also sometimes done if you have shortness of breath, a history of smoking or if you are planning to have a lung transplant.
The test itself is fairly simple. You will go to the pulmonary function lab where a pulmonary therapist will check your weight and height. That allows the pulmonary specialists to determine what your normal values should be based on your size, gender, age and nationality. In other words, the test will determine what is optimal for you.
In the testing area you will be taken to a clear booth. The therapist will instruct you how to breathe — taking big breaths in and out; holding your breath for a few seconds; or taking short quick breaths or long breaths — depending on what your physician ordered. The tests may be repeated to assure complete and accurate representation of your breathing function.
Once the test is done, the results will be analyzed and interpreted by a pulmonary specialists and recorded in your electronic medical records so you and your primary care physician can review and discuss them.
You and your doctor will discuss your results. The results of the test and your diagnosis may determine the next steps of your care
Pulmonary function tests (sometimes called a PFT) help diagnose lung conditions such as asthma or bronchitis. If you have already been diagnosed with a particular lung condition, a pulmonary function test can also determine how well the medication you’re taking for the condition is working.
A pulmonary function testing is also sometimes done if you have shortness of breath, a history of smoking or if you are planning to have a lung transplant.
The test itself is fairly simple. You will go to the pulmonary function lab where a pulmonary therapist will check your weight and height. That allows the pulmonary specialists to determine what your normal values should be based on your size, gender, age and nationality. In other words, the test will determine what is optimal for you.
In the testing area you will be taken to a clear booth. The therapist will instruct you how to breathe — taking big breaths in and out; holding your breath for a few seconds; or taking short quick breaths or long breaths — depending on what your physician ordered. The tests may be repeated to assure complete and accurate representation of your breathing function.
Once the test is done, the results will be analyzed and interpreted by a pulmonary specialists and recorded in your electronic medical records so you and your primary care physician can review and discuss them.
You and your doctor will discuss your results. The results of the test and your diagnosis may determine the next steps of your care
Because you’ll be doing a lot of breathing, do not eat a heavy meal before the test. If you are a smoker, refrain from smoking for four to six hours before the test. If you use bronchodilators, you will be given specific instructions on their use prior to the test from your physician’s office.
Because you’ll be doing a lot of breathing, do not eat a heavy meal before the test. If you are a smoker, refrain from smoking for four to six hours before the test. If you use bronchodilators, you will be given specific instructions on their use prior to the test from your physician’s office.
You may feel a little light headed or woozy after the test due to all the breathing. Be sure to report anything you are feeling to the respiratory therapist.
You may feel a little light headed or woozy after the test due to all the breathing. Be sure to report anything you are feeling to the respiratory therapist.
Be sure to write down questions you may have. Here are a few questions to get you started:
Be sure to write down questions you may have. Here are a few questions to get you started:
Provides information on how a pulmonary function test is performed.
Information about the types of lung function tests used.
Provides information on how a pulmonary function test is performed.
Information about the types of lung function tests used.