Why It May Be Needed
PFTs may be ordered if your doctor suspects that:
- There may be a narrowing of the airways in the lungs.
- The lungs’ ability to transfer oxygen has been compromised.
- Your lung capacity is lower than expected
- Your lungs are scarred or are shrinking
- Exposure to environmental substances, includingtobacco smoke has harmed your lungs.
- It is needed to measure the effect of treatment in specific diseases like asthma, COPD, interstitial lung diseases, lung cancer and other chronic diseases.
- Risk-stratification of your lungs before undergoing any major surgical procedure under anesthesia is required
- Help with disability claims is needed
- Determine a plan for specific circumstances (e.g fitness to fly, drug bronchoprovocation for aspirin, etc..)
The tests may also be done to determine your ability to undergo medical procedures or surgery that may be required to deal with the lung condition.