P ulmonary function tests are valuable investigations in the management of patients diagnosed with respiratory disease. These tests help in the diagnosis, benefit monitor response to treatment and can guide decisions regarding further the treatment and intervention. This article focuses on the routinely used investigations. Pulmonary function tests play a significant role in the investigation and monitoring of patients with respiratory pathology.
They provide important information related to small airways, the pulmonary parenchyma and the size and integrity of the pulmonary capillary bed. Though they do not provide a diagnosis, but different patterns of abnormalities are seen in various respiratory diseases that help to establish a diagnosis. General considerations Indications for pulmonary function tests include symptoms/signs/investigations that suggest pulmonary diseases like a…
