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Interpreting pulmonary function tests: recognize the pattern, and the diagnosis will follow
Feyrouz Al-Ashkar1, Reena Mehra, Peter J Mazzone
1Department of General Internal Medicine, The Cleveland Clinic, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195, USA.
Abstract:
When interpreting pulmonary function tests, one should first try to determine the pattern of abnormality: is it obstructive, restrictive, or normal? Pulmonary function tests cannot by themselves distinguish among the potential causes of abnormalities, and must be interpreted in light of the patient's history, physical examination, and ancillary studies. Once a pattern is recognized, the diagnosis will often follow.
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