Pulmonary Function Testing

Although those with heart disease and/or diabetes are usually aware of their blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels, the importance of knowing your numbers as they apply to pulmonary function tests (PFTs) for COPD/emphysema/asthma and other lung conditions is commonly overlooked. The National Lung Health Education Program suggests the mantra "test your lungs; know your numbers." At ICPR, we strongly believe that regularly scheduled PFTs are an essential method of comparison to determine how well you are responding to treatment and if your disease is progressing.

After reviewing your PFT results, a treatment plan will be designed for your specific condition. It is extremely important to follow the treatment plan since most people do not even know they have lung disease until they have lost at least 50% of their lung function. Additionally, most lung disease is progressive, getting worse year after year if untreated. In all cases of lung disease, it is important to repeat the test yearly, or more often if necessary, to track the progression of disease and to determine if the current treatment is adequate or needs to be changed.