Belgian Pulmonary Function Study

Belgian Pulmonary Function Study : the Belgian Thoracic Society

Pulmonary function tests including spirometry, lung volumes, measurements of resistance and diffusing capacity are essential in the diagnosis of several pulmonary diseases. These tests are an integral part of the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases, but until now there is no clear evidence for the use of many of the pulmonary function tests because of a lack of adequate studies. The obscurity largely pertains to the conditions under which combinations of the various tests are indicated. Therefore the Belgian Thoracic Society, assembling all pulmonologists and the pneumology LOK/GLEM"s, will investigate this matter.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Males and females
• Age between 18 and 75 years old
• New outpatients with respiratory symptoms as dyspnoea, cough, sputum, but without firm diagnosis
• Results of the tests are available and acceptable
• Standardized list of complaints
• Capability of patient for doing pulmonary function tests
• Seen by a Pneumologist
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with diagnosed respiratory disease
• Younger than 18 and older than 75 years old
• Recent heart attack
• Pneumothorax
• hemoptoic
• Suspicion of Tuberculosis
• Not capable to do pulmonary function tests