Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) play a crucial role in modern medicine, in evaluating lung health. Respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and interstitial lung diseases continue to pose a huge challenge globally. For effective diagnosis and monitoring of these conditions, health professionals depend on PFTs. We, at Eastern Diagnostics, recognize the importance of the tests in assessing lung health of patients. We offer a range of diagnostic services like spirometry and peak flow measurements to cater to such needs.
Pulmonary Function Test’s pivotal role in evaluating lung health, providing valuable information for diagnosis and ongoing management of respiratory conditions, is acknowledged by health professionals unanimously. Here are some key reasons for PFTs effectiveness.
Diagnosis of Respiratory Ailments:
PFTs aid in accurate diagnosis of respiratory conditions. They help health professionals differentiate between asthma, COPD, restrictive lung diseases and other pulmonary disorders. The differentiation is important as each condition requires a unique treatment approach.
Evaluating the Severity of Respiratory Diseases:
Professionals, with the help of the tests, can assess the severity of the disease. By measuring lung capacity and airflow patients, they can ascertain how well or poorly their lungs are functioning. The information guides treatment decisions and helps monitor disease progression.
Boosting Treatment Efficacy of Respiratory Diseases:
The tests are invaluable for tracking the effectiveness of treatments. If patients with asthma or COPD take the tests before and after medication, the tests would provide valuable insights into treatment efficacy.
Preoperative Assessment for Lung Function Complications:
Before any surgery, especially related to chest or with general anaesthesia, the tests are performed to assess the patient’s lung function. They help to identify patients at higher risk of post-operative complications and allow better preoperative management.
Types of Pulmonary Function Tests
Spirometry: One of the most common PFTs, during spirometry, a patient inhales deeply and exhales forcefully into a spirometer, which measures various lung parameters. Key measurements include Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC ratio. The test is essential for diagnosing asthma and COPD.
Peak Flow Measurement: In this procedure, a peak flow meter is used to assess how quickly a patient can exhale air. This is particularly used to monitor asthma. Patients can track their peak flow at home and share findings with professionals to adjust treatment plans.
Lung Volume Test: Used to assess total lung capacity (TLC), residual volume (RV) and functional residual capacity (FRC). The tests are crucial for diagnosing restrictive lung diseases and determining how well the lungs expand and contract.
Diffusion Capacity Test: It measures the lung’s ability to transfer oxygen from inhaled air into the bloodstream. The tests are useful for diagnosing conditions that affect the lung’s ability to exchange gases, such as interstitial lung diseases.
PFTs at Eastern Diagnostics
We at Eastern Diagnostics understand the importance of PFTs and how indispensable tools they are to ensure respiratory health. We offer a range of PFT services to cater to the needs of patients and healthcare professionals. At Eastern Diagnostics, we take all the required measures to prevent the risks Pulmonary Function Tests. Regular PFTs not only aid in early detection of respiratory conditions, but also help healthcare professionals make treatment plans to suit the needs of individual patients, ultimately improving their quality of life.