If you’ve ever found yourself short of breath or dealing with a lingering cough, you might wonder when is a pulmonary function test required. It’s a question we hear often in our clinic.
Pulmonary function tests aren’t only for people with severe lung disease. They’re essential tools doctors use to figure out why you’re having trouble breathing, catch early signs of disease, and guide effective treatment.
Your doctor may recommend one if you have unexplained shortness of breath, chronic cough, wheezing, chest tightness, or before surgery to make sure your lungs can handle anesthesia safely. It’s also common for people who work around dust, fumes, or chemicals to get tested as a precaution.
At Manhattan Medical Arts, we believe early, accurate testing is one of the best ways to protect your long-term health.
Understanding Pulmonary Function Tests
A pulmonary function test (PFT) is a group of simple, noninvasive tests that check how well your lungs work. These tests tell us how much air your lungs can hold, how quickly you can move air in and out, and how efficiently oxygen moves from your lungs into your blood.
Is spirometry a pulmonary function test?
Absolutely. Spirometry is the most common type. You’ll breathe into a handheld device, and it measures how much air you can exhale and how fast. It’s quick and painless, but it offers incredibly useful data about your airway health.
At Manhattan Medical Arts, our team uses these tests daily to help get clear answers for our patients—so you can understand what’s going on with your breathing and make informed decisions about your care.
It’s worth noting that over 25 million Americans have asthma, and COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the CDC. Early testing can make a real difference in managing these conditions.
📌 Schedule Your Pulmonary Function Test Today
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Why Doctors Recommend Pulmonary Function Testing
Pulmonary function tests answer one of the most important questions in medicine: Why can’t I breathe properly?
If you’re dealing with chronic cough, unexplained breathlessness, wheezing, or a feeling of tightness in your chest, these tests provide detailed, objective data about how your lungs are functioning.
Your doctor might also suggest a PFT if you’re preparing for surgery, particularly if you have known lung or heart conditions, to ensure it’s safe to proceed. And for people with jobs that expose them to harmful substances—like dust or fumes—routine testing is a smart preventive measure.
When is a pulmonary function test required? It’s when your doctor wants to get clear, measurable information to figure out what’s happening and how best to help you breathe easier.
What Does a Pulmonary Function Test Measure?
PFTs do more than just tell us if your breathing is “good” or “bad.” They give us specific, actionable numbers about your lung function, including:
- Tidal Volume: Normal breathing in and out.
- Vital Capacity: The biggest breath you can take and release.
- Residual Volume: Air left in your lungs after exhaling.
- Total Lung Capacity: The maximum your lungs can hold.
- Forced Vital Capacity (FVC): Air you can blow out after deep inhalation.
- FEV1/FEV2/FEV3: Air exhaled in specific time intervals.
- Diffusing Capacity: How well oxygen moves from lungs into the blood.
What does a pulmonary function test show? It helps us see whether your symptoms come from obstructive problems (like asthma or COPD) or restrictive ones (like lung scarring or fibrosis).
At Manhattan Medical Arts, we use these detailed results to tailor treatment plans—so you’re not just guessing or relying on trial and error.
How Long Does a PFT Test Take?
People often ask how long does a PFT test take because they’re worried it might be time-consuming or uncomfortable.
In reality, most pulmonary function tests are straightforward. A simple spirometry breathing test can be done in about 15 to 20 minutes. More comprehensive testing typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
These tests are noninvasive and safe. Some patients might feel a little lightheaded from breathing hard, but it usually passes quickly, and you can go about your day immediately afterward.
Our team is here to ensure you’re comfortable and understand each step of the process.
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Who Should Get a Pulmonary Function Test?
Not everyone needs a PFT, but it’s a vital tool for many patients. Your doctor may recommend one if you:
- Have a chronic cough or unexplained shortness of breath.
- Have asthma or COPD and need to monitor progression.
- Are a smoker or former smoker at risk for lung disease.
- Need pre-operative clearance for surgery.
- Work in environments with exposure to dust, fumes, or chemicals.
The goal is simple: catch problems early. With conditions like COPD affecting millions in the U.S., early diagnosis means better management, fewer symptoms, and a better quality of life.
At Manhattan Medical Arts, we’ve seen firsthand how early testing can change a patient’s health trajectory.
Types of Pulmonary Function Tests We Offer
We tailor testing to your specific needs. Some of the options include:
- Spirometry breathing test: Measures airflow during forced breathing.
- Body plethysmography: Assesses lung volumes in a specialized booth.
- Diffusing Capacity Test: Evaluates oxygen transfer efficiency.
- Bronchodilator Reversibility Testing: Checks how well inhaler medication opens airways.
- Exhaled Nitric Oxide Test: Helps diagnose and manage asthma.
- Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test: Evaluates heart and lung response during physical activity.
These tools help us build a complete picture of your respiratory health.
What Happens After Testing?
After your test, you won’t be left wondering what the results mean. We take the time to explain your numbers in plain language, discuss any diagnoses, and lay out clear next steps.
Whether that means starting inhaler therapy, seeing a specialist, or simply monitoring over time, you’ll leave with a plan tailored to you.
At Manhattan Medical Arts, we believe your health decisions should be based on clear, accurate information—not guesswork.
📌 Schedule Your Pulmonary Function Test Near You
👉 Book Online, Walk-In, or Virtual Appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a pulmonary function test required?
When you have breathing problems, chronic cough, asthma, COPD, need pre-surgical clearance, or work in a high-risk environment.
How long does a PFT test take?
Most tests take 30–60 minutes. A basic spirometry test can be done in 15–20 minutes.
Is spirometry a pulmonary function test?
Yes. Spirometry is the most common and widely used PFT.
What does a pulmonary function test measure?
It measures lung volumes, airflow, and how well oxygen moves into your blood.
Is it safe?
Yes. It’s a quick, noninvasive, and generally well-tolerated procedure.
Can I get a PFT near me in Manhattan?
Absolutely. We provide convenient, local testing at Manhattan Medical Arts.
Your Partner in Respiratory Health
At Manhattan Medical Arts, our commitment is to provide clear answers, evidence-based care, and personalized treatment. We know how worrying breathing problems can be. That’s why we use advanced testing, expert interpretation, and patient-centered care to help you feel confident about your health.
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Disclaimer
This blog is for informational & educational purposes only and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health-related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.
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About The Author
Dr. Syra Hanif M.D.Board Certified Primary Care Physician
Dr. Syra Hanif is a board-certified Primary Care Physician (PCP) dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered healthcare.
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