Written By: Pavitra Sampath | Updated : May 21, 2014 2:53 PM IST
Have you been feeling breathless lately? Well, your doctor may need you to get a lung function test done to diagnose the exact cause of the problem. Although the test sounds daunting, there is nothing to fear. In this post we decipher the meaning of the test and break down the processes involved in taking it.
A Lung function test also known as the pulmonary function test is a common diagnostic technique used to gauge how well a person's lungs are working, how well it can take in air and distribute oxygen to the rest of the body. It is also used to test the person's lungs for its capabilities to expel air. Doctors use this test to diagnose patients with asthma, pulmonary fibrosis and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
The lung function includes three main parts:
Spirometry: This test involves blowing into a tube fitted with a machine at the end of it called a spirometer. It measures the amount of air you can breath out and the force with which you can blow it out.
Body plethysmography: For this test the patient will have to sit in a closed room (something like a phone booth) and breath out into a mouthpiece. The pressure in the room and the instrument tells doctors how much air you can draw into your lungs and how much remains after you have exhaled.
Lung diffusion capacity: The patient is asked to inhale a harmless gas called a tracer gas. Then the amount of gas inhaled and exhaled is measured. The difference is calculated as the amount of oxygen that gets diffused into the body.
These tests are not always prescribed together. The treating physician decides the number of tests one has to take. Although they seem pretty simple, there are a few things a person should pay attention to before the test. Here are some of them:
Finally, there are usually no complications for this test, but since the patient will be required to breathe in and out vigorously, they might experience some lightheadedness after the test.
Image source: Clevelandclinicmeded.com, nspirehealth.com
Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of asthma.
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