A pulmonologist discusses the history and influence of race-based reference equations in pulmonary function testing interpretation and patient care.

What are pulmonary function tests? Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are tests of lung function. They are intended to evaluate and monitor chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is ...

A phlegmy cough and shortness of breath are possible warning signs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Keeping track of your symptoms and knowing your risk factors can help you test ...

If you think smoking is the only threat to your lungs, think again. Rising air pollution, occupational hazards, lifestyle choices, and, of course, smoking all put a significant strain on respiratory ...

SAN DIEGO – The elimination of race adjustments in lung-function testing could affect millions of people in the U.S. as they lose or gain eligibility for jobs and benefits due to reclassification of ...

Removing race from equations that estimate lung function will shift the categorization of disease severity across patient populations, moving more Black individuals into an advanced disease category, ...

Veterans Affairs department officials said Monday they have launched a study to determine how removing race from widely used lung function tests may affect disability benefits for veterans, and they ...

For decades, clinical algorithms that were used to diagnose disease have included race as a variable. Over the past several years, growing recognition that this may lead to diagnoses being entirely ...

Removing race from equations that estimate lung function will shift the categorization of disease severity across patient populations, moving more Black individuals into an advanced disease category, ...

Our lungs work tirelessly, providing the oxygen our bodies need to function properly, and also to maintain proper blood flow to our internal as well as external organs. Let's think, how often do we ...