Belgian Pulmonary Function Study
Belgian Pulmonary Function Study
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