Pulmonary function tests

Pulmonary function tests are frequently used to investigate patients with respiratory symptoms and signs such as dyspnoea, cough and wheeze. They are also used to monitor disease progression in patients with a known lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or interstitial lung disease, and also to monitor for the development of a lung disease in patients with connective tissue disorders or in people who work with substances that may cause lung diseases. They can be helpful before cardiothoracic or abdominal surgery to help determine operative risk. This article will discuss the measurement and interpretation of commonly used pulmonary function tests.