Lung Function Tests

Pulmonary Function Tests

Why It Is Done

Lung function tests are done to:

• Determine the cause of breathing problems.
• Diagnose certain lung diseases, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Evaluate a person's lung function before surgery.
• Monitor the lung function of a person who is regularly exposed to substances such as asbestos that can damage the lungs.
• Monitor the effectiveness of treatment for lung diseases.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: August 6, 2007
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology
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