National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute
Information about the types of lung function tests used.
Pulmonary Function Test
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 or PFT test) help diagnose lung conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD. 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 PFT is also sometimes done if you have shortness of breath, a history of smoking, or if you are planning to have a lung transplant.
How a PFT Works
The test itself is fairly simple. You will go to the pulmonary function lab where a pulmonary therapist will check your weight and height. They can determine what your normal values should be based on your size, gender, age, and nationality.
In the testing area, you will be taken to the “PFT machine,” which is just a clear booth. The therapist will instruct you how to breathe, depending on your physician’s orders. They may ask you to take big breaths in and out, hold your breath for a few seconds, or take short, quick breaths or long breaths. The tests may be repeated to assure complete and accurate representation of your breathing function.
After the PFT, 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.
PFT Interpretation
Your doctor will interpret your PFT results and discuss them with you. The results of the test and your diagnosis may determine the next steps for your care.
What to Expect from a Pulmonary Function Test
Pulmonary function tests (sometimes called a PFT or PFT test) help diagnose lung conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD. 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 PFT is also sometimes done if you have shortness of breath, a history of smoking, or if you are planning to have a lung transplant.
How a PFT Works
The test itself is fairly simple. You will go to the pulmonary function lab where a pulmonary therapist will check your weight and height. They can determine what your normal values should be based on your size, gender, age, and nationality.
In the testing area, you will be taken to the “PFT machine,” which is just a clear booth. The therapist will instruct you how to breathe, depending on your physician’s orders. They may ask you to take big breaths in and out, hold your breath for a few seconds, or take short, quick breaths or long breaths. The tests may be repeated to assure complete and accurate representation of your breathing function.
After the PFT, 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.
PFT Interpretation
Your doctor will interpret your PFT results and discuss them with you. The results of the test and your diagnosis may determine the next steps for your care.
What to Expect: Pulmonary Function Test
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, your physician’s office will give specific instructions on their use prior to the PFT.
Pulmonary Function Test Preparation
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, your physician’s office will give specific instructions on their use prior to the PFT.
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.
After Your Pulmonary Function Test
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:
- Why do I need this test?
- What questions will it answer?
- How long will it take?
- When will I get my results?
- Should I stop any medication before the test?
Questions To Ask Your Physician
Be sure to write down questions you may have. Here are a few questions to get you started:
- Why do I need this test?
- What questions will it answer?
- How long will it take?
- When will I get my results?
- Should I stop any medication before the test?
We offer PFTs at IU Health Sleep Disorder Centers in Muncie and Tipton. Scroll down to search all Indiana locations for a PFT test.
Where Can I Get a Pulmonary Function Test Near Me?
We offer PFTs at IU Health Sleep Disorder Centers in Muncie and Tipton. Scroll down to search all Indiana locations for a PFT test.
MedLine Plus
Provides information on how a pulmonary function test is performed.
Resources
National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute
Information about the types of lung function tests used.
MedLine Plus
Provides information on how a pulmonary function test is performed.