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Debunking myths in pulmonary function testing

The goal of evidence-based medicine is to move away from practices based on theory and replace them with practices based on robust scientific evidence. Unfortunately, many clinicians performing and interpreting pulmonary function tests dogmatically adhere to ideas based on theory despite evidence to the contrary... Indeed, pulmonary function guidelines contain recommendations based on both scientific data and unproven expert opinions.

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Articles of Interest

A Stepwise Approach to the Interpretation of Pulmonary Function Tests

Office-based pulmonary function testing, also known as spirometry, is a powerful tool for primary care physicians to diagnose and manage respiratory problems. An obstructive defect is indicated by a low forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio, which is defined as less than 70% or below the fifth percentile based on data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) in adults, and less than 85% in patients five to 18 years of age.

Artificial intelligence outperforms pulmonologists in the interpretation of pulmonary function tests

The interpretation of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) to diagnose respiratory diseases is built on expert opinion that relies on the recognition of patterns and the clinical context for detection of specific diseases. In this study, we aimed to explore the accuracy and interrater variability of pulmonologists when interpreting PFTs compared with artificial intelligence (AI)-based software that was developed and validated in more than 1500 historical patient cases.

Lung disease tests are failing Black patients, studies show. Experts are calling for change

Recent studies cast further concerns about spirometry, the most common lung function test used by medical professionals.

Pulmonary Function Testing

Pulmonary function tests permit accurate, reproducible assessment of the functional state of the respiratory system. It is worth emphasizing that pulmonary function tests do not diagnose specific diseases. Different diseases cause different patterns of abnormalities in a battery of pulmonary function tests. These patterns allow us to quantify the severity of respiratory disease, which enables us to detect disease early and characterize the natural history and response to treatment.

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)

Spirometry refers to measurements of volumes and flow of air during forced inhalation and exhalation. This generates the following data...

Pulmonary Function Tests for Lung Disease

Two types of pulmonary function tests are: Spirometry - A spirometer is a device used by your physician to assess lung function. The evaluation of lung function with a spirometer is one of the simplest, most common pulmonary function tests. Diffusion Capacity - A test which measures the ability of the airsacs to allow oxygen to diffuse across the interstitium into the blood stream.

Pulmonary Function Tests for the Generalist: A Brief Review

One of the frequent reasons patients see their primary care physicians is for the symptom of dyspnea. Among the objective tests to quantify this symptom is the pulmonary function test, which includes several different studies: spirometry with flow-volume loop, lung volumes, and diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide. The results may indicate both respiratory and nonrespiratory disorders, including helping in the diagnosis of cardiac or neuromuscular diseases.

What kind of lung function tests are there and what do they involve?

Whole-body plethysmography (also called body plethysmography) can deliver more exact results and additional information. This test is usually only done by a lung specialist (pulmonologist). It involves sitting in an airtight chamber and breathing in and out of a mouthpiece, like in the spirometry test.

Resources

Harvard Health

Your doctor can get a great deal of information about your lungs and lung function by doing a series of tests called pulmonary function testing. These tests can tell your doctor what quantity of air you breathe with each breath, how efficiently you move air in and out of your lungs, and how well your lungs are delivering oxygen to your bloodstream.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Pulmonary function tests are breathing tests to find out how well your lungs are working.

Physiopedia

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) provide important quantitative information about lung function and can be used to elucidate pathologic conditions responsible for respiratory symptoms, assess the severity and course of disease, and evaluate the patient for suitability and timing for lung transplantation. They are typically used in tandem with chest imaging, along with other ancillary data, to arrive at a specific diagnosis. PFTs may provide the radiologist with clues to the diagnosis and grading of a wide variety of pulmonary diseases[7].