Pulmonary Function Test

What is a pulmonary function test?

A pulmonary function test is a diagnostic tool that assesses how well your lungs work. The test measures:

Lung volume

With lung volume, the pulmonary experts at Respacare measure the amount of air you breathe in and out when you breathe normally. They also measure how much air is left in your lungs after exhaling.

Lung capacity

Lung capacity measures the amount of air your lungs can hold. 

Rate of airflow

With the rate of airflow, your provider assesses how quickly you inhale and exhale. They measure the rate of flow when you’re breathing normally and when you breathe in and then exhale as fast as you can. 

Gas exchange

Gas exchange assesses how well your lungs deliver oxygen to your blood.

Why would I need a pulmonary function test?

Your provider at Respacare explains to you why you would need a pulmonary function test. They perform the test to diagnose breathing disorders such as:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Shortness of breath (also known as dyspnea)

They also perform a pulmonary function test to assess lung health in patients with post-COVID respiratory symptoms. 

You may also benefit from pulmonary function testing at Respacare if you have a breathing disorder and your provider wants to assess the effectiveness of your treatment.

What happens during a pulmonary function test?

Your provider at Respacare discusses the details of your pulmonary function test prior to your appointment so you know what to expect. The pulmonary function test takes place at the office.

During the test, you sit in a chair, and your provider puts a soft clip on your nose so you can only breathe through your mouth. You place a tight mouthpiece over your mouth, which attaches to a spirometer, which is a pulmonary tool that measures airflow.

Your provider asks you to inhale and exhale in various ways. Depending on your diagnosis, your provider may give you a bronchodilator (a medication that opens the airways in your lungs) and repeat the test.

You may feel tired after your pulmonary function test, especially if you have a breathing disorder.

Your provider at Respacare evaluates the results of your testing and sets up an appointment to review their findings and develop a treatment plan.

To schedule a pulmonary function test at Respacare, call the office or book an appointment online today.