PFT Test in Pune

Pulmonary function tests or PFTs help determine the functioning of your lungs. Generally, healthcare professionals use this test to determine how much oxygen goes into and out of your lungs, how much oxygen goes from your lungs to your bloodstream, and how well your lungs work. Along with this test, your doctor will recommend additional tests to diagnose certain lung diseases.

What are pulmonary function tests?

A pulmonary function test or lung function test is a group of breathing tests that help determine how well your lungs function and how much air goes into your lungs and bloodstream. Various types of breathing tests help identify how well your lungs absorb oxygen into the blood, and how exercise affects your lungs.

What are the types of pulmonary function tests?

A lung function test or pulmonary function test include:

• Spirometry: The spirometry test is the most used test to examine lung health. It helps analyze how much air is in your lungs and measures how much air you can inhale and exhale.
• Lung volume test: Also known as body plethysmography, measures the volume of air your lungs can hold after exhaling as much as possible.
• Lung diffusion capacity test: This test helps determine how well your lungs transport oxygen to the bloodstream.
• Exercise test: Also known as a cardiopulmonary exercise test examines how well your lungs, heart and muscles work while exercising.

Depending on teh condition, your healthcare adviser may recommend one or more pulmonary function tests.

When pulmonary function tests are used?

Your healthcare adviser may recommend these tests to:

• Detect narrowing of your lungs’ airways
• Help diagnose asthma, emphysema, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension
• Detect and monitor certain diseases that can affect the lungs, including sarcoidosis and scleroderma
• Determine your lungs’ ability to transfer oxygen to the blood
• Determine the effects of prolonged smoking on chronic pulmonary diseases
• Decide to treat lung disease with medicines
• Detect lung diseases caused due to the exposure of certain chemicals
• Check lung health before surgery

When do I need pulmonary function tests?

Your healthcare provider may recommend lung function tests for various purposes, such as:

• If you have an abnormal chest x-ray and experience symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness
• If you have a lung condition or other conditions that affect your chest
• If you are exposed to certain substances that may damage your lungs
• If you are going to have surgery

How to prepare for the pulmonary function tests?

To ensure accurate test results, follow the below-mentioned instructions:

• Wear comfortable or loose clothes
• Avoid eating large meals 2-3 hours before undergoing the test
• Avoid eating caffeine, chocolate and cola before the test
• Abstain from smoking and drinking alcohol before the test
• If you use an inhaler, talk with your for proper guidance

Are there any risks associated with this test?

A pulmonary function test may have a few side effects. Some people may experience lightheadedness or difficulty breathing during the test. On the other hand, some people may experience nervousness during a lung volume test because they are in a small space.

What do the test results mean?

A normal pulmonary function test result depends on the size of your lungs. Generally, lung size depends on the individual's age, sex and height. Your healthcare advisor may compare your test results with those of someone with your specifications.

Abnormal test results may indicate that you have a lung condition. The test does not detect the specific lung condition you have. However, the test results can determine whether you have obstructive or restrictive lung conditions.

You can now easily book a PFT test in Pune. Several PFT test centres in Pune are offering them at an affordable price. The PFT test cost in Pune may vary depending on the type of PFT testing you opt for. Generally, PFT test costs in Pune start from 700 rupees only.