Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Function Tests

Pulmonary Function Tests

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...

Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation

Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation

Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies

Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.

Understanding the variety of primary symptoms and systemic complications that characterize chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is crucial for healthcare professionals.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Z-scores for Spirometry Interpretation: Implications for Classifying Impairments in Lung Function.

Annals of the American Thoracic Society·2026

Same author

Indoor spaces as active protectors of respiratory health.

American journal of respiratory and critical care medicine·2026

Same author

Asthma Impairment and Risk Questionnaire predicts short- and long-term exacerbation occurrence across asthma severities.

Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology·2026

Same author

Budesonide-glycopyrronium-formoterol fumarate dihydrate in uncontrolled asthma (KALOS and LOGOS): twin multicentre, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel-group, randomised, phase 3 trials.

The Lancet. Respiratory medicine·2026

Same author

Disease modification and progression in pre-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an official American Thoracic Society workshop report.

Annals of the American Thoracic Society·2026

Same author

Childhood Pulmonary Outcomes After Late Preterm Antenatal Corticosteroids.

Obstetrics and gynecology·2026

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Dual Test Gas Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity Measurement During Exercise in Humans Using the Single-Breath Method

Dual Test Gas Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity Measurement During Exercise in Humans Using the Single-Breath Method

Published on: February 2, 2024

Interpretation of pulmonary function test: issues and controversies.

Cristine E Berry¹, Robert A Wise

¹Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.

Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology

|March 24, 2009

Summary

Pulmonary function testing (PFT) interpretation is complex, influenced by reference standards and cut-off values. A comprehensive approach considering clinical context and methodology is essential for accurate PFT results.

More Related Videos

Intraperitoneal Glucose Tolerance Test, Measurement of Lung Function, and Fixation of the Lung to Study the Impact of Obesity and Impaired Metabolism on Pulmonary Outcomes

Intraperitoneal Glucose Tolerance Test, Measurement of Lung Function, and Fixation of the Lung to Study the Impact of Obesity and Impaired Metabolism on Pulmonary Outcomes

Published on: March 15, 2018

Combining Volumetric Capnography And Barometric Plethysmography To Measure The Lung Structure-function Relationship

Combining Volumetric Capnography And Barometric Plethysmography To Measure The Lung Structure-function Relationship

Published on: January 8, 2019

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 24, 2026

Dual Test Gas Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity Measurement During Exercise in Humans Using the Single-Breath Method

Dual Test Gas Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity Measurement During Exercise in Humans Using the Single-Breath Method

Published on: February 2, 2024

Intraperitoneal Glucose Tolerance Test, Measurement of Lung Function, and Fixation of the Lung to Study the Impact of Obesity and Impaired Metabolism on Pulmonary Outcomes

Intraperitoneal Glucose Tolerance Test, Measurement of Lung Function, and Fixation of the Lung to Study the Impact of Obesity and Impaired Metabolism on Pulmonary Outcomes

Published on: March 15, 2018

Combining Volumetric Capnography And Barometric Plethysmography To Measure The Lung Structure-function Relationship

Combining Volumetric Capnography And Barometric Plethysmography To Measure The Lung Structure-function Relationship

Published on: January 8, 2019

Area of Science:

Pulmonary Medicine
Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

Pulmonary function testing (PFT) is crucial in clinical practice.
PFT results often include clinical interpretations, unlike other lab measures.

Purpose of the Study:

To discuss challenges and controversies in PFT interpretation.
To highlight the importance of selecting appropriate reference standards and cut-off values.

Main Methods:

Review of issues in selecting reference standards for PFT.
Analysis of controversies in diagnosing ventilatory and gas transfer defects using PFT.

Main Results:

PFT interpretation is influenced by reference standards and arbitrary cut-off values.
Controversies exist in diagnosing obstructive, restrictive, and gas transfer defects.

Conclusions:

No single algorithm suffices for PFT interpretation.
A comprehensive approach integrating clinical context, methodology, and reference standards is vital for accurate PFT interpretation.