lung function tests
Last reviewed 07/2021
Lung function tests are used for the following reasons:
- to diagnose respiratory impairment
- to quantify the severity of any impairment
There are four functional divisions of the respiratory system which can be analysed by pulmonary function tests:
- airways:
- diseases of the airways may increase resistance to air flow
- alveoli:
- diseases of the alveoli reduce gas exchange
- thoracic wall - the respiratory pump:
- including the ribs, muscles of respiration, diaphragm
- neurological control system:
- the depth and rate of breathing is determined in the brain
definitions of lung capacities and volumes
simple pulmonary function tests
spirometry (after an exacerbation of COPD or asthma)