Breathing is one of the most vital functions of our body, yet we often take it for granted until a problem arises. In recent years, respiratory illnesses such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and post-COVID complications have increased significantly across India, including the northeastern region. Early detection plays a key role in managing these diseases effectively—and this is where Lung Function Tests (PFTs) come in.

At Breathe Superspeciality Clinic & Diagnostics, Guwahati’s trusted lung health center, we use advanced Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) to evaluate how well your lungs are working. These tests provide valuable insights that help doctors detect even early or hidden lung problems before they turn serious.

This article explains in detail what lung function tests are, how they are performed, what conditions they help diagnose, and why early testing can make all the difference in maintaining healthy lungs.

 

What Are Lung Function Tests (PFTs)?

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) are a group of non-invasive diagnostic tests that measure how well your lungs are functioning. These tests check three major aspects of lung health:

  1. How much air your lungs can hold
  2. How quickly you can move air in and out
  3. How efficiently your lungs transfer oxygen into your blood

These tests are simple, painless, and extremely useful in evaluating both healthy individuals and those showing symptoms like breathlessness, cough, or chest tightness.

 

Why Are Lung Function Tests Important?

Many lung diseases develop slowly over time. In their early stages, they may not produce noticeable symptoms. By the time patients feel significant breathing difficulty, the disease may already have progressed.

Lung Function Tests (PFTs) help in:

  • Detecting lung diseases early, even before symptoms appear
  • Monitoring disease progression over time
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of treatment
  • Assessing lung health in smokers and individuals exposed to air pollution
  • Checking respiratory function before surgeries
  • Identifying the impact of occupational or environmental exposure on lung health

 

Types of Lung Function Tests

Different types of PFTs are performed depending on the patient’s symptoms and condition. Let’s look at the most common ones:

1. Spirometry

Spirometry is the most commonly used lung function test. It measures how much air you can inhale and exhale, and how fast you can blow air out.

  • How it works: You’ll be asked to take a deep breath and blow forcefully into a mouthpiece connected to a spirometer.
  • What it measures:
    • Forced Vital Capacity (FVC): The total amount of air exhaled after taking a deep breath.
    • Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1): The amount of air you exhale in the first second.
    • FEV1/FVC ratio: Used to detect obstructive or restrictive lung patterns.
  • Diseases detected: Asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema.

2. Lung Volume Test (Body Plethysmography)

This test measures the total volume of air in your lungs after a full inhalation and how much remains after exhalation. It provides insights into lung capacity and elasticity.

  • Diseases detected: Pulmonary fibrosis, restrictive lung diseases, and conditions affecting chest wall movement.

3. Diffusion Capacity Test (DLCO)

This test measures how efficiently gases like oxygen move from your lungs into your bloodstream.

  • Diseases detected: Interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, and emphysema.

4. Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) Test

PEF measures how fast you can blow air out of your lungs. It’s often used in asthma patients to monitor their lung performance daily.

5. Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test

While not a direct lung function test, ABG helps measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your blood, indicating how well your lungs are transferring oxygen.

 

Who Should Get a Lung Function Test?

You should consider getting a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) if you:

  • Experience shortness of breath, wheezing, or chronic cough
  • Have a family history of asthma or COPD
  • Are a current or former smoker
  • Are exposed to dust, smoke, or industrial fumes regularly
  • Have a history of tuberculosis or pneumonia
  • Are undergoing lung surgery or treatment for a respiratory condition
  • Have sleep apnea or snoring issues
  • Live in a pollution-prone area such as urban Guwahati

Even healthy individuals can benefit from regular PFTs as part of a preventive health check-up, especially given rising air pollution levels and increased respiratory issues in Assam.

 

How Are Lung Function Tests Performed?

Lung Function Tests are simple, safe, and typically take about 30–45 minutes. Here’s what you can expect:

Before the Test

  • Avoid eating heavy meals before the test.
  • Refrain from smoking or drinking caffeine for a few hours prior.
  • Your doctor may advise stopping inhalers or bronchodilators temporarily.

During the Test

  • You’ll sit comfortably and wear a nose clip to ensure all air passes through your mouth.
  • You’ll be instructed to breathe into a mouthpiece connected to the testing device.
  • The technician will guide you through several breathing exercises, such as deep inhalations and forceful exhalations.
  • The machine records airflow, pressure, and volume parameters.

After the Test

  • You can return to your normal activities immediately.
  • Your pulmonologist will interpret the results and discuss the findings with you.

 

Understanding Your PFT Results

Your PFT results are compared with predicted values based on your age, height, gender, and ethnicity.

  • Normal Results: Indicate healthy lung function.
  • Obstructive Pattern: Airflow is reduced due to narrowed airways (e.g., Asthma, COPD).
  • Restrictive Pattern: Lung expansion is limited due to stiffness or scarring (e.g., Pulmonary Fibrosis).
  • Mixed Pattern: Both obstruction and restriction present.

 

Common Lung Diseases Detected by PFTs

1. Asthma

Asthma causes airway inflammation, leading to wheezing, coughing, and breathlessness. PFTs help measure airway obstruction and assess response to bronchodilators.

2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. PFTs are crucial for staging the disease and monitoring treatment.

3. Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

ILD causes scarring of lung tissue, leading to reduced oxygen exchange. The diffusion test (DLCO) and lung volume tests are vital for diagnosis.

4. Pulmonary Fibrosis

This condition leads to stiffening of the lungs. PFTs detect restrictive patterns and help track disease progression.

5. Post-COVID Lung Damage

Many people who recovered from COVID-19 still experience reduced lung capacity. PFTs help measure the extent of lung recovery and guide rehabilitation.

6. Occupational Lung Diseases

Workers exposed to dust, asbestos, or smoke can develop conditions like pneumoconiosis. Early PFT screening can detect problems before symptoms become severe.

 

The Importance of Early Detection

Early diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective lung disease management. Many people in Assam and across India ignore early symptoms like persistent cough or breathlessness, assuming they are minor issues. However, by the time they seek medical help, lung damage may already be advanced.

PFTs help identify abnormalities even before symptoms appear, allowing doctors to:

  • Start treatment early
  • Prevent disease progression
  • Improve quality of life
  • Reduce hospitalizations
  • Avoid long-term complications

 

Lung Function Tests at Breathe Superspeciality Clinic, Guwahati

At Breathe Superspeciality Clinic & Diagnostics, we specialize in comprehensive pulmonary evaluation with advanced PFT facilities. Our experienced Pulmonologists in Guwahati ensure accurate testing and interpretation for all age groups.

Our clinic offers:

  • Advanced spirometry and diffusion testing
  • Expert consultation with senior pulmonologists
  • Complete respiratory evaluation for asthma, COPD, ILD, and post-COVID cases
  • Personalized treatment plans
  • Preventive screenings for smokers and high-risk groups

We ensure each test is conducted under strict safety protocols, maintaining comfort and accuracy for every patient.

 

Tips to Maintain Healthy Lungs

  1. Quit smoking – The most important step to protect your lungs.
  2. Avoid air pollution – Wear masks when outdoors in high-pollution areas.
  3. Exercise regularly – Improves lung capacity and oxygen flow.
  4. Maintain good posture – Helps lungs expand fully.
  5. Get vaccinated – Annual flu and pneumonia vaccines reduce infection risk.
  6. Monitor your breathing – Persistent cough or shortness of breath should never be ignored.
  7. Schedule regular check-ups – Especially if you live in a high-pollution region or have occupational exposure.

 

When to Consult a Pulmonologist

Visit a Pulmonologist in Guwahati if you experience:

  • Persistent or worsening cough for more than three weeks
  • Shortness of breath at rest or during mild activity
  • Chest tightness or wheezing
  • Recurrent lung infections
  • Fatigue, especially after mild exertion
  • Family history of respiratory diseases

At Breathe Superspeciality Clinic & Diagnostics, our experts provide comprehensive evaluation and guidance to help you breathe freely again.

 

Your lungs work tirelessly every moment of your life. Regular Lung Function Tests (PFTs) are a powerful tool to safeguard their health. Whether you are a smoker, an asthma patient, or simply want to monitor your respiratory wellness, getting a PFT done can make a significant difference.

At Breathe Superspeciality Clinic & Diagnostics, we believe prevention is better than cure. Our state-of-the-art diagnostic services and expert pulmonologists are committed to providing high-quality care to every patient.

If you have any respiratory symptoms or want to get your lung health checked, visit Breathe Superspeciality Clinic & Diagnostics, Guwahati, or call us at 8822153356 to book an appointment today.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a Lung Function Test painful?
No, PFTs are completely painless and non-invasive. You only need to breathe into a device as instructed.

2. How long does a PFT take?
Typically, it takes around 30–45 minutes to complete.

3. Do I need to prepare before the test?
Avoid heavy meals, smoking, or caffeine before the test. Your doctor may advise withholding certain inhalers temporarily.

4. How often should I get a Lung Function Test?
Once a year if you’re at risk (smoker, asthmatic, or exposed to pollution). Otherwise, every 2–3 years as part of routine health check-ups.

5. Can children undergo PFTs?
Yes, children above 6 years can perform spirometry under supervision.

6. Are Lung Function Tests safe for elderly people?
Yes, they are safe for all age groups, including elderly patients.

7. Can PFTs detect lung cancer?
While PFTs do not directly detect cancer, they can reveal functional impairments that may prompt further investigations.

8. Where can I get a PFT done in Guwahati?
At Breathe Superspeciality Clinic & Diagnostics, Guwahati—equipped with modern facilities and expert pulmonologists.

Contact: 8822153356
Location: Breathe Superspeciality Clinic & Diagnostics, Guwahati, Assam