What is a lung function test?
Lung function tests (respiratory function tests or spirometry) are a series of tests used to assess lung capacity and their function to help classify the type of respiratory disease in an individual.
Components of a lung function test include:
- Forced vital capacity (FVC)
- Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1)
- FEV1/FVC ratio
- Pre and post-bronchodilator measurements
When would you need a lung function test?
A lung function test may be requested by your doctor for symptoms such as shortness of breath (dyspnoea), cough or wheezing.
How is a lung function test performed?
Lung function tests involve breathing into a mouthpiece, which is connected to a small machine via some tubing. You will be required to breathe in and out as deeply as possible, and then as fast and as forcefully as possible. The test may make you feel temporarily short of breath, but is otherwise harmless.
More sophisticated testing such as gas transfer tests require the patient to breathe into a closed system, via a tight-fitting face mask.
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Lung function test results explained
Lung function tests usually aim to distinguish between two typs of lung disease; obstructive and restrictive.
Obstructive
Obstructive lung diseases include:
- Asthma
- Emphysema
- Chronic bronchitis
- Cystic fibrosis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Restrictive
Restrictive lung diseases include:
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Sarcoidosis
- Obesity hypoventilation syndrome
- Scoliosis
The FEV1/FVC ratio is decreased in obstructive lung disease, and usually increased in restrictive patterns of lung disease.
Related specialists
- Respiratory Physician
- General Practitioner (GP)
- General Physician
- Anaesthetist
- Occupational Health Physician
- Rheumatologist
Related procedures
- Bronchoscopy
Related tests
Also known as
- Respiratory function tests
- RFTs
- Pulmonary function tests (PFTs)
- Spirometry
Links
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This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.
All content and media on the HealthEngine Blog is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.
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