Lung Function Test (LFT) in Queensland
What is lung function test / Pulmonary function test / spirometry?
PFT is a simple breathing test to assess your lung capacity
It is ordered by a chest/lung specialist if you are suspected to have obstruction/restriction in your lungs and also differentiate between breathlessness due to lung or heart conditions
This simple test helps in grading the severity and assists in monitoring the improvement/deterioration of the lung disease
When should you undergo this test?
Visit lung/chest specialist if you have complaints of
- Breathlessness which is increasing in severity
- If you have ever smoked cigarettes/bidis/hukkahs etc
- If you have persistent cough
- If you are exposed to fumes in a factory
- If your chest produces whistling sound especially with changes in weather
What is your role in spirometry / PFT?
Patient plays the most important role in spirometry. The procedure is divided into four stages
Stage 1:
Patient is instructed to take a deep breath in order to completely fill his lungs with air
Stage 2:
Patient is instructed to blast the inhaled air out like blowing 100 candles at one time
Stage 3:
Patient is instructed to blast the inhaled air out like blowing 100 candles at one time
Stage 4:
Here, patient is instructed to take a deep breath
