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Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)

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Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) is the general term for examinations that evaluate lung function. They are utilized in diagnosing respiratory diseases and assessing the severity, monitoring treatment progress, as well as determining whether, for example, with a lung cancer patient, if the patient is fit enough to undergo general anesthesia or a partial lung surgery.

Pulmonary Function Testing Programs
Pulmonary function tests help assess the efficiency of the lungs and airways. They measure the amount of air moving in and out of the lungs as well as the amount of oxygen entering the body. The results are presented as numerical values and graphs.

 
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Pulmonary function can be evaluated through various specific tests, including:

  • Spirometry: Measures how much air you can inhale and exhale as well as how quickly. It is used to diagnose and monitor lung conditions such as asthma.

  • Lung Volume Test (Pulmonary Plethysmography): Measures various lung volumes such as total lung capacity. It’s useful in diagnosing and monitoring lung diseases such as COPD and asthma.

  • Lung Diffusion Test: Evaluates how efficiently the lungs transfer oxygen into the bloodstream.

  • Bronchial Challenge Test: Used to assess the lung’s sensitivity to various substances that can cause the airways to narrow. It is useful in diagnosing asthma.

  • Maximal Inspiratory and Expiratory Pressure (MIP/MEP) Test: A non-invasive test that measures the strength of the respiratory muscles used in inhaling and exhaling — which helps in diagnosing respiratory muscle weakness.

Most patients do not experience side effects. Those that do may experience mild shortness of breath, coughing, slight chest tightness, dizziness, and/or headache. These symptoms usually disappear after resting.
 

Preparing for Your Test

  • Avoid exercising at least 30 minutes before your test.
  • Do not smoke for at least 8 hours before your test.
  • Avoid alcohol on the day of your test.
  • Bronchodilators should be used prior to the test, as advised by your doctor.
  • Avoid heavy meals at least 2 hours before your test.
  • Wear loose clothing; avoid tight garments around the chest and abdomen.
 

Who Should Undergo PFT?

  • Smokers or those frequently exposed to tobacco smoke, chemicals, or dust
  • People with respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or chronic cough
  • Those with diagnosed lung or airway diseases
  • Those who need a pulmonary evaluation prior to undergoing chest surgery.
PFT is effective in detecting early-stage respiratory abnormalities — even before symptoms appear — allowing for timely and more effective treatment. If testing is delayed until noticeable symptoms such as breathlessness occurs, lung function may already be more than 50% impaired, and this can reduce treatment effectiveness.


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ข้อดีของการตรวจสมรรถภาพปอด
Last modify: June 25, 2025

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