Pulmonary Function Test

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a condition caused by damage to the airways or other parts of the lung. This damage leads to inflammation and other problems that block airflow and make it hard to breathe. COPD refers to wo main conditions: Emphysema and Chronic (long term) bronchitis. The main test to diagnose COPD is spirometry. Pulmonary function tests allow physicians to evaluate the respiratory function of their patients in many clinical situations and when there are risk factors for lung disease, occupational exposures, and pulmonary toxicity. These are done with the patient breathing normally, in inspiration and forced expiration and trying to keep as much air as possible in the lung. The results of the PFTs are affected by the effort of the patient. PFTs do not provide a specific diagnosis; the results should be combined with relevant history, physical exam, and laboratory data to help reach a diagnosis. PFTs also allow physicians to quantify the severity of the pulmonary disease, follow it up over time, and assess its response to treatment. <a id="