Our respiratory system plays an important role in our overall health. Like other health issues, respiratory health issues also affect the quality of our life. To diagnose and treat the lungs issues, doctors usually recommend...
Our respiratory system plays an important role in our overall health. Like other health issues, respiratory health issues also affect the quality of our life. To diagnose and treat the lungs issues, doctors usually recommend various kinds of diagnostic procedures, including pulmonary function tests (PFTs). In this blog, we will delve into the importance of PFTs in analysing the various types of respiratory health issues and how they are helpful in-depth understanding of the functions of our lungs.
What are Pulmonary Function Tests?
Pulmonary function tests are a group of various non-invasive diagnostic tests that measure how well your lungs function. The PETs provide valuable information about the capacity of the lungs, airflow, and overall respiratory health. By analyzing the results of PFTs, Doctors identify various respiratory health issues, detect the severity of the lung disease, and prepare appropriate treatment plans.
What are the Types of Pulmonary Function Tests?
The Pulmonary function tests are of various types such as:
- Spirometry: Spirometry is one of the most common types of PFT, which measures how much and at which speed you can inhale and exhale the air. For this test, the patient needs to breathe into a device (spirometer). This test provides information on vital lung capacities like forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). The doctor recommends this test to diagnose various respiratory health conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung fibrosis.
- Lung Volumes Measurement: Lung volume measurement is also known as body plethysmography. It measures the amount of air present in the lungs after a different point of inhalation and exhalation. It gives information about the point at which your lungs are not able to expand completely. It helps in the diagnosis of restrictive lung disease. Gas Diffusion Study: The gas diffusion study measures how well and how much oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other gases your lungs transfer to your bloodstream. This study helps in diagnosing the conditions such as pulmonary embolism, interstitial lung disease, and emphysema.
- Bronchial Challenge Test: The bronchial challenge test analyses how your respiratory system responds to different substances, such as methacholine or exercise. This test is used to diagnose asthma.
- Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET): Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is a type of PET that evaluates how well your muscles and organs such as the heart and lungs work during exercise.
Which Conditions can be Diagnosed with Pulmonary Function Test?
Pulmonary function test is used to diagnose various respiratory health conditions. Doctors ask for this test when you experience the symptoms of respiratory health issues such as:
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest tightness
The doctor recommends Pulmonary function test (PFTs) for various purposes such as:
- Detect respiratory health issues such as asthma, pulmonary embolism, interstitial lung disease chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung fibrosis, etc.
- Detect the changes in the ability of the lungs to transfer the gases to the bloodstream.
- Detect the narrowing in the airways of the lungs
- Measure the effect of ongoing treatment for respiratory health issues.
- Provide insight into the effect of smoking on the lungs
- Confirm whether the exposure to substances present in the environment such as polluted air and gases has affected your lungs.
How is the Pulmonary function test important?
- Early Diagnosis: PFTs play a crucial role in the early detection of respiratory conditions. It identifies precise changes in the functionality of the lungs. It helps the doctor in the timely treatment of the patients for better management and improved patient outcomes.
- Monitoring of Disease: PETs tests are useful for patients with known respiratory health issues. It helps the doctor monitor the progression of the disease and the efficacy of treatment. By measuring regularly, the changes in functions of the lungs over time, doctors can modify treatment plans as needed and ensure optimal care.
- Treatment Planning: PFTs provide crucial information that helps develop personalized treatment plans. The tests help doctors determine and decide the most appropriate medications, therapies, and lifestyle modifications for individual patients.
- Preoperative Evaluation: Before undergoing surgery, patients may need to undergo PFTs to assess their lung function. The result of PFTs helps surgeons and anaesthesiologists evaluate the patient's respiratory reserve, ensuring a safe surgical experience.
What are the possible risks of the Pulmonary Function Test?
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) procedures are completely safe but some individuals experience the symptoms on a temporary basis such as:
But the benefits of PFTs overweigh the underlying risks/ side effects.
Who Should Not Have Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)?
The Pulmonary function test is a completely safe procedure but, in some conditions, doctors don’t recommend PFTs to patients.
- Patients with recent eye surgery. Because PFTs can increase the pressure inside the eyes.
- Patients with surgical procedures such as chest surgery or belly surgery.
- Individuals with unstable heart conditions, chest pain, and a history of heart attacks in the past 3 months.
- If an individual has a problem such as bulging blood vessels in the areas such as the chest, belly, or brain.
- A patient suffering from active tuberculosis
- Patients having respiratory infections such as flu, cough, or cold
How Do I Prepare for Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)?
Before undergoing the pulmonary function test, you need to follow these instructions:
- Do not consume a heavy meal
- Avoid drinking and smoking for 4 to 6 hours
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes
- Inform your doctor about the medications you are taking. The doctor may advise you to stop taking inhaled medications or bronchodilators for a few hours.
- Avoid strenuous exercises for 30 minutes to 1 hour
- If you are using the inhaler, your doctor may ask you to avoid using it for 6 hours to 8 hours.
What is the Cost of Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)?
The Pulmonary Function Test (PFTs) cost in India ranges from INR 1500 to INR 4000 and varies from city to city. There are various other factors such as the geographic location of the diagnostic center, reputation in the market, the technology used as well as insurance benefits.
Which is the best Diagnostic Centre for Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)?
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is the best diagnostic center in Delhi and offers a wide range of diagnostic tests, including pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Being well equipped with advanced techniques and staffed with expert medical professionals, we conduct the test effectively with 100% accuracy of reports. We are accredited with NABL and NABH certifications and follow all the quality parameters as per international quality standards. To make diagnostic services affordable to everyone, we offer a discount of 50% on PFTs.
Conclusion:
Pulmonary function tests are a series of tests that assess lung function and help diagnose respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other lung diseases. PFTs measure various parameters, including lung capacity, airflow, and gas exchange.
Pulmonary function tests are indispensable tools in the evaluation and management of respiratory health issues. By measuring lung function and providing valuable insights into respiratory capacity and efficiency, PFTs aid in the early diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of various respiratory conditions. These tests empower healthcare professionals to optimize patient care, enhance the quality of life, and promote respiratory well-being. So, if you suspect any respiratory issues, do not hesitate to consult your healthcare provider, and explore the benefits of pulmonary function tests. Breathe easy, and live well!
If you are interested in getting a pulmonary function test at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre or have any queries regarding the test. You can call our customer service helpline, or visit our diagnostic centers for up-to-date information about PFTs.
