How Do You Read Pulmonary-Function Test Results?
There is an array of pulmonary-function tests that are used to measure how well your lungs inhale, exhale and transfer oxygen to the blood. For any of the these tests, there are ranges of results that are considered normal depending on a person’s age, sex, height and health. Abnormal results usually mean that there is some form of lung disease present. Visit your health-care professional to have tests taken if you suspect you may have a lung illness such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Realize she will determine which pulmonary function tests you should take and will read and analyze the test results to diagnose you. Follow any instructions you receive before the test. You might be advised to stop taking certain medications, to abstain from eating for a certain period of time or to wear loose clothing to facilitate breathing. Have your exhalation measured with spirometry. In this test, you breathe into a machine called a spirometer. The amount you exhale and
