Get Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTS) in Kathmandu, Nepal at Clinic One

Last updated on May 2nd, 2025 at 02:15 pm

Each year, millions of people suffer from respiratory diseases. While in Nepal, it usually tops the list with the highest death rate from lung diseases. So, checking your lung health is essential if you live in Nepal or are a Nepalese citizen. But how can you do this? One way to do this is to have Pulmonary function tests.

Pulmonary means anything relating to or occurring in the lungs. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTS) are a group of tests used to assess how well one’s lungs are functioning. These tests measure lung size, lung volume, airflow, and gas exchange, among other parameters. 

PFT tests are non-invasive, meaning there is no need for an incision into the body; they are also referred to as lung function tests. 

What Are Pulmonary Function Tests?

Pulmonary Function Tests, or PFTS, are a group of noninvasive tests that measure how well your lungs are working. They evaluate lung volume, capacity, flow rates, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose and monitor respiratory conditions.

Why Do You Need a PFT Test?

By examining one’s symptoms, doctors can recommend spirometry or a PFT test to diagnose the following problems:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Difficulty in breathing
• Respiratory infections
• Chronic bronchitis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Inflammation or scarring of the lungs
• Exposure to chemicals at work or other places
• Hardening of the connective tissues (scleroderma)
• Effects of other medications
• Formation of lumps of inflammatory cells around the lungs (sarcoidosis)
• Pulmonary tumor
• Lung fibrosis
• Lung cancer

Schedule Your Lung Function Test Today

Visit Clinic One for accurate, noninvasive Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTS), which are recommended for asthma, COPD, respiratory issues, and more. Book an appointment today!!

Common Types of Pulmonary Function Tests

The different types of PFT tests include:

• Spirometry Test
• Plethysmography Test
• Diffusion capacity test

1) Spirometry: 

Spirometry is a test performed using a device called a spirometer. This test measures the amount of air your lungs can inhale and exhale. In some cases, the doctor may ask you to breathe normally or quietly into a mouthpiece connected to a spirometer. 

In other cases, the doctor asks you to breathe as deeply and forcefully as possible into the device. This allows doctors to determine your lung size, rate of airflow in the lungs, and other relevant measurements. Sometimes, doctors may ask you to inhale gas or medicine to test your lungs.

2) Plethysmography test:

A plethysmography test helps determine the volume of gas present in your lungs. This volume of gas is known as lung volume. The doctor will ask you to sit in a booth and breathe into a mouthpiece. 

Lung volume is calculated based on the changes in pressure inside the booth. This test will help determine whether the patient has pulmonary fibrosis or asthma.

3) Diffusion capacity test:

This test helps estimate the performance of the air sacks, known as alveoli,  inside the lungs. Different gases, such as helium, oxygen, and carbon dioxide, are used in this test. This test enables doctors to figure out how effectively oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between your bloodstream and the surrounding tissues.

What are the risks associated with Pulmonary Function Tests?

Since PFT tests are noninvasive, the risks associated with them are lower. Typically, you must follow simple directions from the doctor or nurse, such as inhaling and exhaling air. However, in some cases, you may have the following symptoms while having these tests.

• Shortness of breath.
• Dizziness.
• Feeling lightheaded.
• Coughing.
• There is a small risk of lung collapse if a patient has a certain lung disorder.

In addition to the abovementioned risks, patients should inform their doctor about the following conditions before going for the PFTS.

• Recent heart attack, chest pain, or heart disease.
• Recent eye surgery.
• Respiratory infections, such as cold or flu.
• Tuberculosis (TB).
• Recent abdominal surgery.

How to Prepare for the Pulmonary Function Test?

• Avoid heavy meals before the test.
• Do not smoke before the test.
• Avoid certain medicines, as directed by the healthcare provider or doctor.
• Avoid wearing tight dresses.

What to Expect During These Tests?

• You have to loosen your clothes and jewellery.
• The bladder should be empty before the test is taken.
• A clean mouthpiece is given, which is attached to the spirometer.
• You will be asked to breathe in and breathe out using the mouthpiece.
• The steps may be performed multiple times.
• A short clip will be placed on your nose, allowing you to breathe only through your nose.

Results

Typical results vary from one patient to another, as the outcome depends on factors such as age, height, ethnicity, and gender. For spirometry, the doctor calculates the predicted normal value before the test. 

After the procedure is done, the doctor calculates your test score. It is considered a normal result if the test score is more than 80 per cent of the predicted score. If the test results are abnormal, it may indicate a chest or lung infection. The doctor will provide further guidance on the next steps to take.

For appointments and inquiries, please call Clinic One at 01-5400400 | 9863393960 or email us at info@clinicone.com.np. You can also book an appointment online using the Make Appointment button below.