Interpretation of Pulmonary Function Tests in Clinical Practice

Abstract

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are diagnostic modalities that evaluate qualitatively and quantitatively the size and function of the lungs. The most com- mon areas of evaluation in clinical practice are: (a) the measurement of the lung volume, (b) the assessment and measurement of the airway function (upper and lower), and (c) the ability of the lung to diffuse oxygen. Several other tests can be performed to evaluate specifi c aspects of the lung function such as lung or respira- tory system compliance and resistance, airway hyperreactivity/hyperresponsive- ness, airway infl ammation. This chapter focuses on the principles of interpretation (and its pitfalls) of the most commonly used tests that are commercially available for use in children and adolescents in an inpatient or outpatient setting.