Pulmonary function tests are using for a number of tests related to the function of the lungs and ability of lungs to deliver the oxygen to the other organ of the body. This test measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow and gas exchange. There a...
Pulmonary function tests are using for a number of tests related to the function of the lungs and ability of lungs to deliver the oxygen to the other organ of the body. This test measure lung volume, capacity, rates of flow and gas exchange. There are mainly two types of problem with moving of air in and out from the lungs. This test is done by the best hospital in east India.
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• Obstructive: This is caused due to flowing out of the air from the lungs because of resistance in the air path. This causes a decrease in the flow of air.
• Restrictive: This is caused due to the improper expansion of lung tissue and chest muscles. This is mostly due to the lower volume of the lungs and creates problems of flow of air.
PFT can be done with two methods. These two methods are performed in two different tests.
1. Spirometry: It contains a mouthpiece attached by a small electronic machine.
2. Plethysmography: You can sit or stand inside an air-tight box as a like of telephone booth.
PFT measures:
Minute Volume(MV): Total amount of air exhaled per minute.
Vital Capacity(VC): The total volume of air exhaled after inhaling as much as you can.
Functional Residual Capacity(FRC): The amount of air left in the lungs after exhaling normally.
Peak Expiratory Flow Rate(PEFR): The fastest rate that you can force air out of your lungs.
Risks of Pulmonary Test:
Ø Some risks of this test
• Filling short of breath.
• Dizziness during tests.
• Coughing.
• Attacking of Asthma.
Ø In some cases, a person shouldn't have PFTs. Different reasons are listed below
• Recent Eye Surgery.
• Recent belly or chest surgery.
• Recent heart attack
• Active tuberculosis (TB) or respiratory infection.
Ø Certain things can make PFTs less accurate. These include
