Common "Pulmonary Function Tests" queries answered by top doctors | iCliniq

Pulmonary Function Tests

Pulmonary function tests, also called PFTs, are tests performed to measure your lungs' capacity and to know how well they work. It measures how well a person is able to breathe and how effective the lungs are in delivering oxygen to the rest of the body. This test is indicated when a person is suffering from symptoms of lung problems.

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All the answers published in this website are written by verified medical doctors, therapists and health experts. The Content has been moderated by iCliniq medical review team before publication. Post your medical clarifications on iCliniq by choosing the right specialty and get them answered. Your medical queries will be answered 24/7 by top doctors from iCliniq.

Can vitamin B12 deficiency cause breathlessness?

Query: Hello doctor, I had a blood test recently and my ESR was elevated to 22, while vitamin B12 was low. I have pain in the right armpit and also a pain in the neck.  Read Full »


Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Your B12 level is low, hence it should be treated with Folic acid tablets and Cyanocobalamin injections. 1. Cyanocobalamin 1000 mcg injections are given intramuscularly for six weeks. 2. ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) can be high in any inflammatory condition....  Read Full »

I have a dry cough despite taking antibiotics. Why?

Query: Hello doctor,I am a 29 year old male. Since the last 45 days, I have been suffering from episodes of dry cough. 10 days back, I had a 102-degree fever for three days for which the doctor prescribed Paracetamol and a five-day course of antibiotics. The fever improved, but not the cough. I went ...  Read Full »


Dr. Ashaq Hussain Parrey

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I went through your query. You possibly have had a viral infection of the respiratory tract and cough can persist for three weeks after the fever subsides. The white patches usually occur in smokers and are due to persistent inflammation of the throat due to smoking. �...  Read Full »

Does DLCO reduction need emergency treatment? Kindly help.

Query: Hello doctor, I have recently visited a cardiologist for shortness of breath, but after doing all cardiac tests, the doctor said I do not have any heart problems. I have done the pulmonary function test (PFT) test, and I will attach the report. The test states mild diffusing capacity of lungs for ca...  Read Full »


Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concern. I have gone through the reports you have attached (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). Carbon monoxide transfer coefficient (KCO) is the carbon monoxide transfer coefficient. You should get a CT (computed tomography) ...  Read Full »

I am addicted to medication for breathing problems. Please help.

Query: Hi doctor, I have a breathing problem when I walk up the stairs. It is difficult to breathe. Initially, a doctor asked me to take Foracort Rotacap 200. But the doses were like two puffs twice a day. I forget to take it along with me when I go outside. So I thought to go for some medications. I con...  Read Full »


Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have read the query, and I can understand your concern. According to your history and description, you might have asthma or allergies. So get done with IgE (Immunoglobulin E) and eosinophil count. Get a pulmonary function test (PFT) to rule out asthma. If you have...  Read Full »

Are the results of my pulmonary function test fine?

Query: Hi doctor, I have a signal arthritis. Rib cage hurts when I breathe. I had a clear chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) four years back and normal pulmonary function test (PFT). I stopped smoking ten years ago. I am a swimmer and have breathing problem. I also have suspected connective tissu...  Read Full »


Dr. Divakara. P

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Well, your pulmonary function test (PFT) values are totally fine. Any value above 80% of predicted value is considered as normal. So, your values are too good.   Read Full »

My diabetic mother is diagnosed with moderate obstructive lung disease. Kindly suggest treatment.

Query: Hello doctor, My mother is 62 years old. She is a diabetic on OHA and under good glycemic control. She weighs about 123.46 pounds. She is suffering from a dry cough for four months now. The chest X-ray is normal and the ENT consultation also ruled out any local cause. She complained of a tickling se...  Read Full »


Dr. Amol Kumar Wasudeorao Diwan

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have seen the PFT (pulmonary function test) report of your mother. (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Let me tell you first that the PFT test is not done properly as the post-test is done immediately only after four minutes of the pre-test. Ideally, w...  Read Full »

What does fair lung volume mean in PFT?

Query: Hi doctor,Here are the details of my chest issues that I was hoping you could help me with. I will attach all the information I have in terms of X-rays and function tests. I am 37 year old otherwise healthy female with a normal BMI. I have a smoking history of 16 packs a year. Four years ago, I quit...  Read Full »


Dr. Divakara. P

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Your initial x-ray itself was showing some signs of hyperinflation and the subsequent x-rays shows increased hyperinflation. So, it is not a new finding, but worsening of the initial finding (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Unless some intervention is d...  Read Full »

I have a respiratory problem. Is it wise to plan gallbladder operation?

Query: Hi doctor, My mother was diagnosed to have acute cholecystitis. She is 65 years old and is suffering from respiratory and heart problem. One mild stroke also happened around two years back. She had recently failed pulmonary function test. Will it be wise to plan gallbladder operation? Please reply.  Read Full »


Dr. Srivastava, Sumit

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. If a diagnosis of acute cholecystitis is confirmed, it is advisable to proceed with gallbladder surgery. However, the suitability of the patient for anesthesia must be considered. In the case of your mother, who is experiencing pulmonary function test abnormalities, it is...  Read Full »

Why do I get breathing problems and wheezing even after medication?

Query: Hello doctor, I have shallow and fast breathing, usually bubbling and wheezing at bedtime along with nasal congestion and post nasal drip. My mucus is low and clear with a little cough. I have these symptoms for the past three months. I used Mucinex nasal spray, salt water spray, and Benadryl. I am ...  Read Full »


Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concern. By your history and description, the possibility of bronchitis is more likely. It is commonly seen with smokers. It is the inflammation of airways. This inflammation causes bronchospasm which in turn causes wheezing, breathlessness, mucus p...  Read Full »

Is there any new treatment available for bronchiectasis?

Query: Hello doctor, I am a 47-year-old male. I am a known case of bronchiectasis since childhood. Is there any new treatment? Or new interventions for the best quality of life?  Read Full »


Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concern. Yes, a new pulmonary antioxidant is available. May I know his current medications? Is PFT (pulmonary function test) report done or not?  Read Full »

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