 Pulmonary Function Testing refers to a series of
diagnostic studies done in an outpatient setting. They can help
diagnose the cause of a symptom (such as shortness of breath), the
extent of a disease (such as how advanced is the condition of a
patient with emphysema), and also help determine the efficacy of
therapy.In the test known as spirometry,
a patient blows into the testing apparatus as rapidly and as hard as
he can for as long as he is able. Two good trials are required for
an accurate test. This test measures the air flow and is useful in
detecting the presence and severity of such obstructive airway
diseases as asthma. If the spirogram is abnormal, a bronchodilator
medication is usually given to the patient, and the spirogram is
then repeated. Any improvement after the inhalation of the
bronchodilator agent suggests that the patient may benefit from the
chronic use of similar agents. |
