When you're dealing with chronic cough, shortness of breath, or unexplained fatigue, your respiratory specialist may recommend a lung function test—also known as pulmonary function testing (PFT). These tests are crucial for diagnosing, evaluating, and managing a variety of respiratory conditions.
At Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, one of the premier healthcare institutions in Delhi, our best respiratory doctors use these tests to accurately assess how well your lungs are working. In this article, we will walk you through what to expect during a lung function test, why it’s important, and how it can help shape your treatment plan.
✅ What is a Lung Function Test?
A lung function test (LFT) is a group of diagnostic procedures used to measure:
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How well you can breathe
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How effectively your lungs deliver oxygen to your blood
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The volume and speed of air you inhale and exhale
These tests are non-invasive, safe, and essential in identifying conditions like:
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Asthma
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
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Pulmonary fibrosis
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Bronchitis
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Interstitial lung disease
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Allergic conditions
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Occupational lung disorders
🔍 Why You Might Need a Lung Function Test
Your respiratory physician in Delhi may recommend a PFT if you experience symptoms such as:
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Shortness of breath
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Wheezing
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Persistent cough
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Chest tightness
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Decreased exercise tolerance
It is also prescribed to:
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Monitor progression of chronic lung diseases
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Assess the effectiveness of treatment
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Pre-assess lung function before surgery
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Check occupational exposure effects
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Evaluate the cause of unexplained respiratory symptoms
🏥 Where to Get a Lung Function Test in Delhi
If you're looking for the best place for lung testing in Delhi, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute stands out for:
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State-of-the-art respiratory diagnostics
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Expert pulmonologists with years of experience
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Accurate and timely reports
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Patient-focused care and counseling
Our top respiratory doctors in Delhi ensure the tests are done under international protocols with patient comfort as a priority.
📋 How to Prepare for Your Lung Function Test
Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions, but here are some general tips:
✅ Do:
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Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing
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Eat a light meal before the test
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Bring a list of medications you’re taking
❌ Avoid:
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Smoking for at least 4–6 hours before the test
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Heavy meals before the test
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Vigorous exercise before the test
If you're using inhalers or medications, your doctor may ask you to stop them temporarily before the test to get accurate readings.
🧪 Types of Lung Function Tests
At Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, the following tests may be performed individually or in combination:
1. Spirometry
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Measures how much air you can inhale and exhale
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Determines how quickly you can exhale
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Helps diagnose asthma, COPD, and other conditions
What to Expect:
You’ll be asked to take a deep breath and blow into a tube connected to a machine. You may repeat the process several times for accuracy.
2. Plethysmography (Lung Volume Test)
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Measures total lung capacity and residual volume
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Used to diagnose restrictive lung diseases
What to Expect:
You’ll sit in a sealed booth, breathe into a mouthpiece, and follow instructions to inhale and exhale deeply.
3. Diffusion Capacity Test (DLCO)
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Measures how well oxygen passes from your lungs into your blood
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Useful for evaluating pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, and other issues
What to Expect:
You’ll inhale a harmless gas and hold your breath for a few seconds before exhaling.
4. Methacholine Challenge Test
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Diagnoses asthma by triggering airway narrowing
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Done under close supervision
What to Expect:
You’ll inhale a substance that can provoke mild asthma symptoms. Your lung function is then measured.
🕒 Duration and Discomfort
Most lung function tests last between 30 to 60 minutes. They are painless, although some people may feel:
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Lightheadedness
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Coughing
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Mild shortness of breath
These effects usually resolve quickly. Our experienced respiratory team will guide and support you throughout the process.
🧾 After the Test
Once the test is complete:
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You can resume normal activities immediately
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Your doctor will analyze the results and explain them in your follow-up appointment
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Depending on the findings, further testing or treatment may be recommended
📈 Understanding Your Test Results
Pulmonary function test results are compared to the expected values based on your:
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Age
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Gender
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Height
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Ethnicity
Results typically show whether your lung function is:
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Normal
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Obstructive (like in asthma or COPD)
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Restrictive (like in pulmonary fibrosis)
Your doctor will explain whether your condition is mild, moderate, or severe and what the next steps should be.
🩺 What Makes Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute the Best for Lung Care in Delhi?
At Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, you get more than just a test—you get comprehensive lung health management:
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Expert Pulmonologists: Recognized as some of the best respiratory doctor in Delhi
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Advanced Equipment: Technologically updated labs for precise testing
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Personalized Care: We explain each test and result in simple terms
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Holistic Management: Diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and preventive care under one roof
Whether you’re dealing with asthma, COPD, or any lung-related issue, our specialists will guide you every step of the way.
❓ FAQs on Lung Function Tests
Q1. Are lung function tests painful?
No, these tests are non-invasive and mostly painless. You may feel slight discomfort during deep breathing or breath-holding.
Q2. Can I eat before a lung function test?
Yes, but keep it light. Avoid heavy meals as they can affect lung volume and comfort during the test.
Q3. How soon will I get my results?
Most results are available the same day or within 24 hours, depending on the type of test.
Q4. Can children take these tests?
Yes, with guidance and cooperation, children above 5–6 years can usually perform basic lung function tests.
Q5. How often should these tests be done?
For chronic conditions, your doctor may advise testing every 6–12 months or based on disease progression.
✅ Conclusion
Lung function tests are a cornerstone of modern respiratory diagnosis and care. They are safe, quick, and incredibly informative. Knowing what to expect can help ease anxiety and prepare you for better outcomes.
If you're experiencing breathing difficulties or have been advised to undergo a lung function test, consult the best respiratory doctors in Delhi at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute. Our experts are committed to helping you breathe easier and live healthier.
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