Pulmonary Function Test (Spirometry)

Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) — specifically Spirometry — is a non-invasive breathing test used to assess how well your lungs are working. It measures the volume and speed of air you can inhale and exhale, helping diagnose and monitor lung diseases.

What Spirometry Measures:

1. FEV₁ (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second)

• Amount of air you can forcefully exhale in the first second
• Reduced in asthma, COPD, and other obstructive diseases

2. FVC (Forced Vital Capacity)

• Total amount of air you can exhale forcefully after full inhalation

3. FEV₁/FVC Ratio

• Helps differentiate between obstructive and restrictive lung disease
• A ratio < 70% suggests obstruction

Indications (When It's Done):

• Diagnose lung conditions like asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease
• Monitor disease progression or response to treatment
• Evaluate lung function before surgery
• Assess effects of occupational/environmental exposures

Benefits:

• Quick, safe, and painless
• Gives immediate, helpful insights into lung health
• Helps guide treatment decisions