Pulmonary(Lung) Function Test

  • This is a highly specialized and standardized test performed on a high-tech machine. It measures the amount of air a patient exhales strongly and for a long time three to six seconds after inhaling maximally. The percentage of lung function that a patient can blow out with maximal exertion is determined by this test.
  • It provides information on the functions of our lungs. The amount of air a patient or a youngster tries to blow out is measured in this test. Normal readings in children should be greater than 90% of the anticipated values based on the patient’s age and height.
  • It can be done with children above the age of four utilizing various incentives such as blowing the balloon completely and bursting it to obtain stars, or blowing out the candles, and so on.
  • The youngster performs this activity in a lighthearted manner, with a competitive spirit.
  • A function test is recommended for individuals who have a h/o chronic cough that is not responding to medicine and whose asthma or bronchitis diagnosis has to be verified.
  • It’s also used to see if lung function improves after a regular course of inhaled drugs, or if we need to reduce or discontinue the doses.
  • If the lung functions remain reduced after the test, it can be repeated after a dose of bronchodilator in the form of inhaled drug is given. The percentage change or improvement in the test is then noted. The reversibility or post-bronchodilator test is what this is called.
  • When using a standardized and well-calibrated machine, the results are accurate.
  • Our facility has a standardized portable flow sensor sophisticated machine with good flow sensors into which sanitized or disposable spirits are placed and the test is performed after calibration. It produces extremely accurate findings.
  • The test may not be acceptable in many countries and commercial labs because the machine must be standardized, resulting in varying test costs.
  • The cost of a PFT exam at a professional PFT center ranges from Rs 1600 to Rs 2300.
  • It aids in the confirmation of the diagnosis, assessment of the severity of the condition, and therapy response.
  • Dr. Jasmeet Kaur Wadhwa, a prominent pediatric pulmonologist, is well-versed in doing and reading pulmonary function tests. She has been doing so for over ten years and has conducted extensive study and training on the issue.