Pediatric Pulmonary Function Test

This essay aimed at evaluating the pulmonary function testing in pediatric practice regarding the most recent methods of performing it and its role in establishing the diagnosis of pediatric respiratory system diseases.Pulmonary function testing is a method of determining how well the lungs and airways are working.Pulmonary function tests are group of procedures that can measure function of the lungs. They can provide important clinical information concerning respiratory system disorders. They are designed to identify and quantify the defects and abnormalities in the function of the respiratory system. They also can answer questions such as the following:How badly impaired is the patient’s lung function? Is airway obstruction present? How severe is it? Does it respond to bronchodilators? Is gas exchange impaired? Is diffusion of oxygen from the alveoli to the pulmonary capillary blood impaired? Is treatment helping the patient?The pulmonary function tests alone, however, can not be expected to lead to a clinical diagnosis, for example, pulmonary emphysema. Tests results must be evaluated in light of the history; physical examination; chest radiograph, computed tomogram scan, and laboratory findings.