What Is a Pulmonary Function Test?
What Is a Pulmonary Function Test? Health A pulmonary function test, or PFT, is a comprehensive test to determine the overall health of your lungs. A pulmonary specialist in Birmingham may order a PFT to be certain that your lungs are working properly and to check your lungs for a number of common, serious lung problems. Benefits The major benefit of getting a PFT done is that it can catch pulmonary problems early, before you even show serious symptoms or notice a problem. Early diagnosis leads to early treatment, which ensures that you can live a healthy life. Another benefit of a PFT is that people with chronic lung problems or a serious condition can find out how they are progressing, if their conditions are spreading, if their lungs are holding up against the disease, and if they are responding well to treatment. Diagnosis A PFT screening can help diagnose a number of serious and common lung problems, including: Asthma Severe allergies Bronchitis Respiratory infections COPD