Breathe Easier: Understand Your Lung Health with Pulmonary Function Testing
Pulmonary Function Tests help diagnose and monitor lung conditions, ensuring timely treatment and better respiratory well-being.
What is Pulmonary Function Testing?
Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) refers to a group of non-invasive tests that assess how well your lungs are working. These tests measure lung volume, airflow, and gas exchange to detect and monitor respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, and interstitial lung disease (ILD).
Key Features:
- Non-invasive and safe
- Usually takes 30–45 minutes
- Provides accurate insight into lung performance
- Used for both diagnosis and treatment monitoring
Why is Pulmonary Function Testing Important?
Description:
Lung conditions often develop silently. PFTs provide early detection, helping you and your doctor take timely steps toward better lung health.
Benefits of PFTs:
-
- Early diagnosis of respiratory conditions
- Monitoring disease progression
- Assessing the effectiveness of treatment
- Evaluating lung fitness before surgery
- Screening for occupational lung diseases
Types of Pulmonary Function Tests
- Spirometry
- Measures how much air you can inhale and exhale
- Detects asthma, COPD, and airflow obstruction
- Lung Volume Tests (Body Plethysmography)
- Assesses the total capacity of your lungs
- Helps detect restrictive lung diseases
- Diffusion Capacity (DLCO Test)
- Evaluates how well gases like oxygen pass from your lungs to your blood
- Useful in diagnosing ILD and pulmonary hypertension
- Bronchodilator Response Test
- Performed before and after using an inhaler to see how well the lungs respond to medication
What to Expect During a Pulmonary Function Test
Step-by-Step Overview:
- Preparation – Avoid smoking, heavy meals, and certain medications before the test.
- Instructions – A technician will guide you on how to perform breathing techniques.
- Testing – You'll breathe into a mouthpiece connected to a machine, which records data on airflow and volume.
- Duration – Most tests take 30–45 minutes.
- Post-Test – Results are analyzed and discussed with you by your pulmonologist.
✅ The test is completely safe and does not involve needles or injections.
When Should You Get a Pulmonary Function Test?
You should consider a PFT if you experience:
- Chronic cough
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing or chest tightness
- Fatigue during exertion
- A history of smoking or exposure to lung irritants
- Monitoring of known conditions like asthma or COPD
📌 PFTs are also recommended before major surgeries or for occupational health evaluations.
Conditions Diagnosed Using PFTs
Common Lung Conditions Diagnosed Include:
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Occupational lung disease
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Restrictive lung conditions
Why Choose JCS Lung & Sleep Centre for PFT?
Our Advantages:
- Led by Dr. JC Suri, one of India’s top pulmonologists
- Advanced and calibrated diagnostic equipment
- Patient-centric approach with detailed pre- and post-test counseling
- Accurate reporting and expert interpretation
- Comfortable, hygienic environment
Preparing for Your Pulmonary Function Test
Tips to Follow:
- Avoid eating a heavy meal before the test
- Don’t smoke for at least 4–6 hours before the test
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Avoid caffeine and exercise for a few hours prior
- Inform your doctor about medications you are taking
After the Test – What’s Next?
Post-Test Experience:
- You can resume normal activities immediately
- Minor dizziness or coughing may occur briefly
- Your pulmonologist will review the results and recommend further treatment or follow-up
📆 Follow-up consultations are key to understanding and managing your lung health
Take Control of Your Breathing
Pulmonary Function Testing gives you a clearer picture of your respiratory health. At JCS Lung & Sleep Centre, we offer expert care and accurate diagnostics to help you breathe easier, live better, and stay informed.