Ailments & ConditionsYour Health

Emphysema Diagnosis and Treatments

Pulmonary Function Test

A pulmonary function test is performed to determine the intensity of damages caused by emphysema in your lungs. Many patients find this test quite confusing as it would provide many different readings. Basically, there are three forms of pulmonary function tests. Spirometry is the most common option that can be used to diagnose the presence of a respiratory issue. It measures how fast and the amount of air that you breathe out or in. Another important test is diffusing capacity, which tests the diffusion of oxygen in your lungs. Lastly, plethysmography tests can be done to determine the total lung capacity and vital capacity. All of the results can help your doctor diagnose precisely and find out the underlying causes. [2]