A pulmonary function test measures how well your lungs work. You put your mouth on a mouthpiece and breathe. Your results should be available after a few days.

Provides information on how a pulmonary function test is performed. A pulmonary function test can help determine how well your lungs are functioning and find the cause for breathing problems.

Jan 21, 2026 · There are three parts of a PFT: spirometry, lung volumes, and diffusing capacity. Spirometry measures how well you can breathe air out, similar to deflating a full balloon. Lung …

Sep 5, 2024 · Learn how pulmonary function tests (PFTs) diagnose chronic respiratory conditions and what to expect before, during and after your test.

Sep 28, 2025 · You may take a pulmonary function test (PFT) to help diagnose and treat conditions like asthma and COPD. For a spirometry test, you blow hard into a machine to measure lung volume and …

Jan 23, 2023 · In this article, we look closely at the different types of PFTs, when they’re used, and what conditions they may help diagnose. A doctor will order one or more PFTs, also known as lung...

Do not eat a large meal within 2 hours of the test. Do not exercise heavily for at least 30 minutes before the test. Do not drink alcohol for at least 4 hours before the test. Do not smoke on the day of the test. …

Pulmonary function tests are better at detecting the general type and severity of lung disorder than at defining the specific cause of problems; however, these tests can be used to diagnose some specific …

Sep 1, 2025 · Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are noninvasive tests that show how well the lungs are working. Read on to learn what to expect before, during, and after these tests.

Do not eat, smoke, or exercise 4-8 hours before testing. Wear loose-fitting clothing. Most tests will require you to breathe into a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may be attached to a simple handheld …