Pulmonary Function

Pulmonary function refers to how well your lungs work. Cranford L. Scott MD, Inc, is an internal medicine practice in Inglewood, California, that provides testing to assess pulmonary function. Dr. Scott is a skilled and experienced physician who provides advanced testing at his office so you get the answers and treatment you need right away. To find out more about pulmonary function testing, call the office in Los Angeles or schedule an appointment online today.

What is pulmonary function?

Pulmonary function is a medical term that describes how well your lungs work. 

When you breathe in, your lungs absorb oxygen and pass it to your bloodstream. Your body delivers carbon dioxide (waste product created by your body) to the lungs, which you breathe out when you exhale. 

When your lungs aren’t functioning as they should, you may not get enough oxygen or breathe out enough carbon dioxide, potentially leading to a life-threatening situation.

What types of tests assess pulmonary function?

Tests for pulmonary function include spirometry, lung volume test, and diffusion capacity.

Spirometry

A spirometry test measures how much and how fast you breathe in and out over a period of time. It’s the most common pulmonary function test. 

Lung volume test

The lung volume test evaluates the amount of air your lungs take in. For this test, you may breathe in nitrogen or helium for a set period of time. A chamber attached to the tube measures gas concentration in the lungs, determining lung volume.

Diffusion capacity

Diffusion capacity measures how well your lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. For this test, you breathe in a harmless gas tracer, and your provider measures the concentration of the gas you breathe out.

As an internal medicine practice, Cranford L. Scott MD, Inc, offers in-office pulmonary function testing (PFT) so you can get the right diagnosis and care.

When do I need testing for pulmonary function?

You may need testing for pulmonary function if you have symptoms that suggest a lung problem, such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. Testing may help diagnose lung problems like asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema. 

Dr. Scott may also recommend testing if you have a lung condition like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to assess lung function and the effectiveness of your current treatment plan. 

What treatments improve pulmonary function?

Dr. Scott customizes treatment based on the underlying issue affecting your lung function. Treatment might include medication to improve lung function or decrease inflammation. He may also prescribe antibiotics if you have a bacterial lung infection (pneumonia).

He may also recommend physical therapy to improve lung function and dietary services to help with weight management. 

For expert care from a skilled internal medicine physician who puts your health first, call Cranford L. Scott MD, Inc, today or schedule an appointment online.