About Pulmonary Function Testing

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are a group of tests that measure how well your lungs are working. These tests assess how much air your lungs can hold, how quickly you can move air in and out, and how well your lungs transfer oxygen into your blood. PFTs are essential for diagnosing and managing lung conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and interstitial lung disease

Spirometry is the most common type of pulmonary function test. It measures the amount of air you can breathe out and how quickly you can do it. Spirometry helps your doctor determine how well your lungs are functioning and can identify issues such as airflow obstruction or restriction.

Your doctor may recommend a sleep study if you have symptoms like loud snoring, daytime fatigue, or difficulty staying asleep. These symptoms could be signs of a sleep disorder that might affect your overall health, including your heart, lungs, and brain. A sleep study can identify the cause of your symptoms, helping your doctor develop an effective treatment plan.

Your doctor may recommend spirometry if you have symptoms like shortness of breath, chronic cough, or wheezing. Spirometry is also used to monitor lung conditions over time, assess the effectiveness of treatments, and evaluate lung function before surgery.

During the spirometry test:

1. You will be asked to sit comfortably and wear a nose clip to ensure that all your breathing is done through your mouth.
2. You will take a deep breath and then blow out as hard and fast as you can into a mouthpiece connected to the spirometer.
3. You may need to repeat the test several times to ensure accurate results.

The entire process is quick and non-invasive, typically taking about 10-15 minutes.

• Avoid heavy meals before the test to ensure comfortable breathing.
• Don’t smoke or exercise strenuously at least an hour before the test.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the use of inhalers or other medications before the test

If you have any concerns or need more information, please contact our centre. We're here to help you breathe easier!