If you’ve been experiencing unexplained shortness of breath, chronic cough, or frequent wheezing, a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) can offer critical insight into your lung health. At Lung and Sleep Specialists of North Texas, PFTs are a cornerstone of our diagnostic process for a wide range of respiratory conditions, from asthma to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to interstitial lung disease.
What Is a Pulmonary Function Test?
A Pulmonary Function Test is a group of non-invasive tests that measure how well your lungs take in and release air and how efficiently they transfer oxygen into the blood. The most commonly performed tests include:
- Spirometry: Measures the amount (volume) and speed (flow) of air a person can inhale and exhale. It’s especially useful for diagnosing conditions like asthma and COPD.
- Lung Volume Testing: Measures the total volume of air in the lungs after a full inhalation and how much air remains after a full exhalation.
- Diffusion Capacity (DLCO): Assesses how efficiently oxygen passes from the lungs into the blood. This is useful in diagnosing interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension.
These tests are often performed both before and after administering a bronchodilator to determine the reversibility of airway obstruction.
Why Are PFTs Important?
Pulmonary function tests play a crucial role in:
- Early diagnosis: Identifying lung conditions at a stage when they may be easier to manage.
- Assessing severity: Helping determine how advanced a disease is, which influences treatment decisions.
- Monitoring progress: Evaluating how well a treatment is working and adjusting care plans accordingly.
- Preoperative assessments: Ensuring patients have adequate lung function before undergoing surgery.
These tests are essential for anyone with unexplained respiratory symptoms, a history of smoking, exposure to occupational or environmental pollutants, or a known lung condition.
What to Expect During Testing
PFTs are simple, painless, and usually take between 30 to 60 minutes. During a spirometry test, you’ll be asked to breathe into a mouthpiece connected to a machine. You may need to repeat the test several times for accurate results. A respiratory therapist or trained technician will coach you through the process.
Some patients may experience mild lightheadedness or dizziness during testing, but it passes quickly. It’s important to follow instructions closely for the most accurate results. Certain PFTs require holding your breath or breathing rapidly, which can be tiring but provides essential data.
Before your test, you may be advised to:
- Avoid eating a heavy meal
- Refrain from smoking
- Withhold certain medications that affect lung function (as advised by your physician)
Personalized Respiratory Care
Once we have the results, Dr. Oseni and our team use them to design a personalized treatment plan. This may include:
- Inhaler therapy: Bronchodilators or corticosteroids
- Lifestyle interventions: Smoking cessation, environmental control, nutrition
- Pulmonary rehabilitation: A structured program that combines exercise, education, and support
- Further diagnostic testing: Imaging studies, lab work, or specialist referral if needed
We believe in empowering patients with knowledge about their respiratory health. By understanding how your lungs function, we can work together to protect them and ensure you breathe easier every day. Don’t wait—schedule your pulmonary function testing and start your path to better respiratory health.