Why Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) Are Essential for Early Detection and Better Respiratory Care

Breathe Easier with Pulmonary Function Testing at Daviess Community Hospital

If you or a loved one experiences shortness of breath, chronic cough, or unexplained fatigue, your lung health may need closer evaluation. A Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) is a non-invasive, highly effective tool for assessing lung function and detecting respiratory conditions early—before they become life-threatening.

At Daviess Community Hospital (DCH), we provide fast, accurate PFTs with little to no wait time, unlike other hospitals that have backlogs of 4+ weeks. Our goal is to help primary care providers and patients take immediate action toward better lung health and avoid unnecessary delays in diagnosis and treatment.

What is a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)?

A Pulmonary Function Test measures how well your lungs work. It evaluates lung volume, airflow, and oxygen exchange, helping diagnose and monitor respiratory conditions like:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Asthma
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Lung disease caused by smoking or environmental exposure
• Chronic bronchitis and emphysema

"Early detection is key to managing respiratory conditions before they worsen. A PFT allows physicians to determine lung function, make accurate diagnoses, and establish treatment plans that improve quality of life."

- Troy Graber, RRT, MBA, Cardiopulmonary Manager at Daviess Community Hospital

Understanding the GOLD System for COPD Diagnosis

At DCH, we use the GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) grading system to assess COPD severity. This system classifies COPD from mild (GOLD 1) to very severe (GOLD 4) based on lung function measurements. The GOLD system helps physicians:

• Diagnose COPD more accurately
• Tailor treatments to individual patient needs
• Prevent disease progression and hospitalizations

Why Choose Daviess Community Hospital for Your PFT?

• Quick, Easy Scheduling – No long wait times; get tested when you need it.
• Advanced Testing & Expert Care – Our specialists use state-of-the-art equipment for precise results.
• Comprehensive Respiratory Care – From testing to treatment, we support every step of your lung health journey.

"Many hospitals have waiting lists for PFTs, delaying critical diagnoses. At Daviess Community Hospital, we eliminate that wait so patients and providers can take action quickly."

- Troy Graber, RRT, MBA, Cardiopulmonary Manager at Daviess Community Hospital

Take Control of Your Lung Health Today

If you have persistent breathing issues, don’t wait. Ask your doctor for a referral to Daviess Community Hospital for a Pulmonary Function Test. For more information or to schedule your PFT, call (812) 254-8895 or visit our Pulmonary Function Test page today.