Pulmonary function tests measure how well your lungs are working.

Specialists use the tests to reach a diagnosis and determine the severity of lung disease, such asasthma,bronchitis and emphysema.

The tests also help assess how well treatment for lung disease is working.

More specifically,pulmonary function testsmeasure:

• How much air your lungs can hold (lung capacity or lung volume)
• How quickly you move air in and out of your lungs
• How well your lungs exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide

Types of Pulmonary Function Tests

Tests are noninvasive, quick, easy and painless. They may be conducted by a respiratory therapist.

Pulmonary function tests include:

• Arterial blood gas(ABG)–test to determine whether you are getting enough oxygen
• CT scan–provides a more enhanced image than X-ray
• Chest X-ray–imaging test to see how well your lungs and heart are working
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)–electrodes placed on your body provide data on the function of your heart
• Peak flow monitor–used on children to measure airflow out of their lungs
• Pulse oximetry–measures the oxygen level of your blood
• Sputum culture–helps determine the cause of excess sputum (phlegm) in your lungs
• Spirometry–measures the amount of air you exhale and how quickly you exhale