Essay Sample on Pulmonary Function Tests

Pulmonary function tests are a critical process because it entails a procedure where the functionality of the lungs is checked to ensure that air goes in and out without any problem. The tests are also used to determine whether oxygen enters the blood in sufficient amounts Mayer, Finkel, Rummey, Benton, Glanzman, Flickinger & Meier (2015) in their article. Characterization of pulmonary function in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy' explores the concept of pulmonary function tests. Mayer et al. explain that over the past years, there has been a decline in pulmonary function, causing death to several people, both children and adults. The authors further state different tests that can be used in checking pulmonary function but clarify the restrictive and regulatory measures that the American Thoracic Society (ATS) has put in place, especially for patients with neuromuscular issues.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Order now

The article explores Spirometry by looking at Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) in 60 participants who had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The authors explain that expiratory flow capacity was examined by pulmonologists with the use of ATS-accepted methods. Findings indicated that out of 131 PFTs gathered, over half of the PFTs from patients were accepted. Research indicates that PFTs done through the Spirometry process become less successful with the advancement in age. The authors explain that PFTs became more successful in participants between the age of 5 and 24 and declined with participants' age progression, and it implied that the acceptability of PFT decreases with increasing age. Through the PFT, the authors also explain that a decline in age correlates with ambulation. The article also indicates that in the PFT, the percentage of FVC and PEF were not dissimilar in ambulatory as compared to nonambulatory when steroid was used or not used by participants.

One of the things that the article relates to my current knowledge is that despite scholarly research indicating that Spirometry can be made of general practice and through the observance of ATS restrictions, the quality of technique is still of low quality in primary care. The solution, however, is the organization of several spirometry workshops and the use of evidence practice.

It is important to note that the article explains that there is a possibility of obtaining accurate PFT tests, although it can be challenging and requires detailed knowledge and experience. The process can only be done through the observation of ATS restrictive rules that govern certain and specific situations. Further research needs to be done on the best approach to be used to obtain accurate results.

References

Mayer, O. H., Finkel, R. S., Rumney, C., Benton, M. J., Glanzman, A. M., Flickinger, J., Meier, T. (2015). Characterization of pulmonary function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Pediatric pulmonology, 50(5), 487-49