Pulmonary Function Test(PFT)

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are a group of tests that measure how well your lungs work. This includes how well you’re able to breathe and how effective your lungs are able to bring oxygen to the rest of your body.

Your doctor may order these tests:

• if you’re having symptoms of lung problems
• if you’re regularly exposed to certain substances in the environment or workplace
• to monitor the course of chronic lung disease, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• to assess how well your lungs are working before you have surgery

PFTs are also known as lung function tests.

Why are these tests done?

Your doctor will order these tests to determine how your lungs are working. If you already have a condition that’s affecting your lungs, your doctor may order this test to see if the condition is progressing or how it’s responding to treatment.

PFTs can help diagnose:

• asthma
• allergies
• chronic bronchitis
• respiratory infections
• lung fibrosis
• bronchiectasis, a condition in which the airways in the lungs stretch and widen
• COPD, which used to be called emphysema
• asbestosis, a condition caused by exposure to asbestos
• sarcoidosis, an inflammation of your lungs, liver, lymph nodes, eyes, skin, or other tissues
• scleroderma, a disease that affects your connective tissue
• pulmonary tumor
• lung cancer
• weaknesses of the chest wall muscles