Pulmonary function testing: Difference between revisions

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'''Pulmonary Function Testing''' ('''PFT''') is a complete evaluation of the respiratory system including patient history, physical examinations, chest x-ray examinations, arterial blood gas analysis, and tests of pulmonary function. The primary purpose of pulmonary function testing is to identify the severity of pulmonary impairment.<ref>Pulmonary terms and symbols: a report of the ACCP-ATS Joint Committee on Pulmonary Nomenclature, Chest 67:583, 1975</ref> Pulmonary function testing has diagnostic and therapeutic roles and helps clinicians answer some general questions about patients with lung disease. PFT's are performed by a [[Pulmonary scientist]] who typically hold credentialing as a [[Registered Pulmonary Function Technician]], a [[Certified Pulmonary Function Technician]] or a [[Registered Respiratory Therapist]].

==Indications==

Pulmonary function testing is a diagnostic and management tool used for a variety of reasons.

===Pediatric neuromuscular disorders===

Neuromuscular disorders such as [[Duchenne muscular dystrophy]] are associated with gradual loss of muscle function over time. Involvement of respiratory muscles results in poor ability to cough and decreased ability to breathe well and leads to [[atelectasis]] (the ability of the lungs to gain oxygen) and an overall insufficency in lung strength<ref>Finder JD, Birnkrant D, Carl J, et al. Respiratory care of the patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: ATS consensus statement. Am J Respir Crit Care Med.2004;170 (4):456– 465</ref>. A combination of reduced lung compliance caused by generalized and widespread microatelectasis and chest wall deformity caused by increased chest wall compliance4 results in increased work of breathing and chronic respiratory insufficiency<ref>Wang CH, Finkel RS, Bertini ES, et al. Consensus statement for standard of care in spinal muscular atrophy. J Child Neurol.2007;22 (8):1027– 1049</ref>. Musculoskeletal deformities such as kyphoscoliosis contribute to restrictive lung disease.

Pulmonary function testing in patients with neuromuscular disorders helps to evaluate the respiratory status of patients at the time of diagnosis, monitor their progress and course, evaluate them for possible surgery, and gives an overall idea of the prognosis<ref name="pmid19420147">{{cite journal| author=Sharma GD| title=Pulmonary function testing in neuromuscular disorders. | journal=Pediatrics | year= 2009 | volume= 123 Suppl 4 | issue= | pages= S219-21 | pmid=19420147 | doi=10.1542/peds.2008-2952D | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=19420147 }} </ref>.

==Spirometry==