What Is a Pulmonary Function Test and Who Needs It in Jodhpur?

 

A single breathing test can tell your doctor more about your lungs than an X-ray ever could. If you have been Experiencing persistent cough, breathlessness, wheezing, or chest tightness — especially living in Jodhpur where dust and air pollution are a daily reality — your pulmonologist may recommend a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT). Here is everything you need to know before your appointment.

What Is a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)?

A Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) is a group of non-invasive breathing tests that measure how well your lungs work. It checks how much air your lungs can hold, how quickly you can breathe air in and out, and how efficiently oxygen passes from your lungs into your bloodstream. PFT helps doctors diagnose and monitor lung conditions like asthma, COPD, and Interstitial lung disease.

The most common PFT is called spirometry, which measures airflow. Other advanced tests measure lung volume and gas exchange depending on what your doctor needs to assess.

What Does a PFT Test Measure?

A PFT gives your doctor a complete picture of Your lung health through five key measurements.

FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) measures the total air you can forcefully breathe out. A low FVC indicates your lungs cannot fully expand — a sign of restrictive lung disease.

FEV1 measures how much air you push out in the first second. This is the most important number — a low FEV1 is the earliest marker of asthma and COPD.

FEV1/FVC Ratio — if this falls below 70%, it confirms narrowed or blocked airways, as seen in asthma and chronic bronchitis.

TLC (Total Lung Capacity) checks the maximum air your lungs can hold, helping detect air trapping in severe emphysema.

DLCO tests how efficiently oxygen passes into your bloodstream — an early detector of interstitial lung disease and pulmonary fibrosis that X-rays often miss.

Together, these five values give Dr. Sumita Agrawal a precise map of your lung function in under 45 minutes.

How Is a PFT Test Performed — Step by Step?

1. Arrive prepared — Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Do not eat a heavy meal for at least 2 hours before the test.
2. Inform your doctor — Tell your pulmonologist about any inhalers or bronchodilators you are using. You may be asked to hold certain medications for 4–6 hours before the test.
3. Sit in position — You will be seated upright. A nose clip is placed to ensure all breathing goes through your mouth.
4. Breathe into the mouthpiece — You will be asked to breathe in as deeply as possible, then exhale as hard and fast as you can into the spirometer mouthpiece.
5. Repeat for accuracy — The test is performed at least 3 times to ensure consistent and reliable results.
6. Additional tests if needed — Your pulmonologist may also perform lung volume measurement or a DLCO test depending on your condition.
7. Get your results — Results are available almost immediately and reviewed by Dr. Sumita Agrawal during your consultation.

The entire test typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.

How to Prepare for a PFT Test

Do This	Avoid This
Wear loose, comfortable clothing	Heavy meals 2 hours before the test
Inform your doctor about all medications	Smoking at least 4 hours before
Arrive 10 minutes early	Vigorous exercise before the test
Follow breathing instructions carefully	Using a bronchodilator inhaler (unless told otherwise)
Stay hydrated	Alcohol 4 hours before the test

How to Read Your PFT Results

Your pulmonologist will interpret your results, but here is a simple overview:

• Normal: Your FEV1/FVC ratio and FVC are both above 80% of predicted values for your age, height, and gender.
• Obstructive Pattern: FEV1/FVC ratio is low. Seen in asthma, COPD, and bronchiectasis — your airways are narrowed.
• Restrictive Pattern: FVC is low but FEV1/FVC ratio is normal. Seen in interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and obesity hypoventilation.
• Mixed Pattern: Both values are low. Suggests combined obstructive and restrictive lung disease.

Do not interpret your results alone. Your pulmonologist will correlate PFT findings with your symptoms, history, and imaging to give you an accurate diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a PFT test painful?

No. A pulmonary function test is completely non-invasive and painless. You will only be asked to breathe in and out into a mouthpiece. Some patients feel mild lightheadedness after forceful breathing, which passes within minutes.

How long does a PFT test take?

A standard spirometry test takes about 15 to 20 minutes. If additional tests like lung volume measurement or DLCO are needed, the full session can take 30 to 45 minutes.

Can children get a PFT test?

Yes. Children aged 5 and above can generally perform spirometry reliably with proper guidance from the technician.

How often should I repeat a PFT test?

For patients with asthma or COPD, a PFT is typically repeated every 6 to 12 months to monitor disease progression and treatment response.

Who performs a PFT test in Jodhpur?

PFT tests are conducted by trained pulmonary function technicians and interpreted by Dr. Sumita Agrawal, a specialist in pulmonology and sleep medicine.

Does a PFT test replace a chest X-ray or CT scan?

No. PFT measures how your lungs function, while X-rays and CT scans show structural anatomy. Both are often used together for a complete diagnosis.

Why Get Your PFT Done at Medipulse Hospital, Jodhpur?

Dr. Sumita Agrawal in Jodhpur offers comprehensive pulmonary function testing with same-day results and expert interpretation. Whether you are a patient with a chronic lung condition, a stone industry worker concerned about occupational exposure, or someone experiencing breathlessness after COVID, a PFT gives you and your doctor the data needed to make the right treatment decision.

Book your Pulmonary Function Test in Jodhpur today. Call or WhatsApp: +91 9660054877 Dr. Sumita Agrawal, Jodhpur