Shortness of breath, a cough that will not quit, or wheezing when you climb the stairs can all leave you wondering how well your lungs are working. A pulmonary function test, often called a PFT, is one way your doctor can find out.
The test is simple, does not involve needles, and can usually be done right in the office. Here is what it measures and what to expect.
What a Pulmonary Function Test Measures
A pulmonary function test looks at how much air your lungs can hold and how quickly you can move air in and out. You breathe into a mouthpiece connected to a device that records your breathing. The results are compared to typical values for someone of your age, height, and sex.
The most common type of PFT is called spirometry. It focuses on how much air you can breathe out and how fast you can do it. Depending on your situation, your provider may order spirometry alone or along with other measurements.
These numbers help your provider understand whether airflow is limited, whether the lungs are holding less air than expected, or whether breathing looks normal. The test is one piece of the picture, along with your symptoms, history, and exam.
Why Your Doctor Might Order One
There are several reasons a provider might recommend breathing tests. Some common ones include:
- A cough, wheeze, or chest tightness that keeps coming back
- Shortness of breath with activity that seems new or worse
- Checking for or monitoring asthma
- Following a known lung condition over time
- Seeing whether a breathing medication is helping
- Getting a baseline for people with past smoking or certain exposures
Winter can bring breathing issues to the surface. Cold air, indoor heating, wood smoke, and seasonal illnesses can all make symptoms more noticeable, which is often when people first mention them to their doctor.
What the Test Feels Like
During the test, you sit in a chair and wear a soft clip on your nose so all your breathing goes through your mouth. You breathe in as deeply as you can and then blow out as hard and fast as possible into the mouthpiece. The staff will coach you through each step.
You will usually repeat the breaths a few times to get consistent results. In some cases, you may be given a breathing medication and then repeat the test to see if your airflow changes.
The test takes effort, and some people feel a little tired or lightheaded for a moment. That usually passes quickly. Let the staff know if you feel unwell during the test.
How to Prepare
Your clinic will give you specific instructions, but some general tips help the test go smoothly. Wear loose clothing that does not restrict your chest or stomach. Avoid a heavy meal right before the test. Ask whether you should skip or delay any inhalers or breathing medications beforehand, and follow those directions carefully.
It is also a good idea to avoid smoking and vigorous exercise for a few hours before the test, since both can affect the results. Arrive a few minutes early so you are not rushed or out of breath when you sit down.
If you have had a recent illness, chest pain, eye surgery, or other recent procedures, mention it when you schedule. Your provider may want to adjust the timing.
Testing Close to Home
Pulmonary function testing is one of the procedures Family Health Center offers in the office, along with services like EKGs and lab draws. Having testing done where you already receive care helps your provider see results quickly and fit them into your overall plan.
If you have breathing concerns or your provider has recommended a PFT, contact Family Health Center to schedule an appointment in Sandpoint. Our team is here to help you breathe easier and understand what your results mean.
