MedLine Plus
Provides information on how a pulmonary function test is performed.
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.
What to Expect from a Pulmonary Function Test
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.
How the test is done
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.
Results
You and your doctor will discuss your results. The results of the test and your diagnosis may determine the next steps of your care
What to Expect from a Pulmonary Function Test
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.
How the test is done
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.
Results
You and your doctor will discuss your results. The results of the test and your diagnosis may determine the next steps of your care
What to Expect: Pulmonary Function Test
Preparing for a 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, you will be given specific instructions on their use prior to the test from your physician’s office.
Preparing for a 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, you will be given specific instructions on their use prior to the test from your physician’s office.
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.
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.
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?
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?
Resources
National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute
Information about the types of lung function tests used.
Resources
MedLine Plus
Provides information on how a pulmonary function test is performed.
National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute
Information about the types of lung function tests used.