Pulmonary Function Test

什么是肺功能测试？

A pulmonary function test (PFT) is a set of diagnostic tests used to evaluate your child’s lung function or to measure any change in lung health. Pulmonary function testing is often used to diagnose and monitor chronic pulmonary conditions, such asasthma,囊性纤维化, orbronchopulmonary dysplasia。

什么是不同类型的PFT？

Pulmonary function testing may involve several different tests.

肺活量测定法

肺活量测定法是最常见的肺功能测试类型之一，可以通过吹入塑料管来进行。该测试衡量您的孩子可以在一次呼吸中呼气多少空气以及空气出来的速度。这对于确定气道中是否有任何障碍会损害呼吸。

肺量

肺部容量测试测量孩子的肺可以容纳的总空气量。该测试也涉及通过塑料管呼吸。它可以坐在一个封闭的空间中，在大呼吸时可以测量压力差异，或者通过呼吸空气的混合物和很小且完全安全的氦气，并在此过程中测量各个点的氦气浓度。

Diffusion capacity of the lungs

The diffusion capacity of the lungs refers to how easily oxygen can enter the body during regular breathing. The test is performed by having your child breathe into a tube with a very small, and completely safe, amount of carbon monoxide added.

氧饱和度

Another important and simple test measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. A device called a pulse oximeter beams a small red light on your child’s fingernail and measures how much light is absorbed. This reflects how much oxygen is in the blood without causing any discomfort.

专业肺功能测试

In addition to the most common PFTs described above, Boston Children’s pulmonary function testing lab performs several other specialty tests:

• exercise tests, such as the six-minute walk test, the exercise saturation study, cardiopulmonary exercise tests, and exercise-induced asthma tests
• 高海拔刺激测试（测量氧气水平，它们将在加压飞机机舱中）
• 呼吸肌力量的度量（胸部可以产生多少力量以呼吸多少）
• measurement of breathing in response to medications
• measures of airway inflammation (how much nitric oxide, a gas produced in allergic inflammation, is present in exhaled air)

What should my child do to prepare for a pulmonary function test?

肺功能测试不会引起不适。一些测试要求您的孩子使用最大的努力来呼吸和呼吸。它们将被重复几次，以确保结果准确。要记住的一些事情：

• Avoid eating large meals before testing.
• Wear loose clothing.
• 除非另有说明，否则请继续每日药物。
• If possible, stop using short-acting bronchodilators (like albuterol or ipratropium) at least six hours before testing.

肺功能测试是否有风险？

In general, pulmonary function testing is completely safe. For some tests, your child may feel dizzy or uncomfortable for a moment after testing because of breathing fast and hard. If you have concerns about how well your child may tolerate the specific test, please consult your care team or reach out to our pulmonary lab technicians.

There are certain situations in which we recommend not performing certain tests, such as if your child has recently coughed blood, has severe chest pain, had a recent pneumothorax (air leak outside the lungs), or has had recent oral, facial, eye, or sinus surgery. You should consult with your care team for guidance.

What happens after the pulmonary function test?

The results of your child’s pulmonary function tests will be reviewed by one of our pulmonary medicine specialists. The reports will be forwarded to your referring physician to help with your care plan.

How can I schedule a pulmonary function test?

A PFT can be scheduled by calling our Pulmonary Function Testing Lab at 617-355-7510. A referral from your child’s primary care provider may be required.