PFTs are recommended in various clinical scenarios, such as:
- Diagnosing Asthma: Spirometry is often used to confirm the diagnosis of asthma by demonstrating reversible airway obstruction. - Monitoring Chronic Lung Diseases: Regular PFTs can help monitor diseases like cystic fibrosis, chronic lung disease of prematurity, and interstitial lung disease. - Pre-Surgical Evaluation: Assessing lung function before surgery can help predict postoperative complications, especially in children with known respiratory issues. - Assessing Response to Therapy: PFTs can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments such as bronchodilators or steroids.
