Spirometry Test
Overview
Spirometry tests how well a person’s lungs are working by measuring the volume and speed of air they can inhale and exhale. Using a device called a spirometer, this procedure helps detect breathing problems such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Doctors and specialists often rely on spirometry to check how severe a lung issue is, or to see if treatments are effective. The European Respiratory Society supports the use of spirometry for checking and managing long-term breathing conditions.
Key Points:
- Device: Spirometer
- Common Uses: Diagnosing asthma, COPD
- Medical Support: European Respiratory Society
Reasons for Spirometry Testing
Doctors use spirometry to measure how well the lungs work. This pulmonary function test is important for diagnosing lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and other conditions that affect breathing. It also helps check the effects of treatments, making it easier to manage ongoing lung problems.
Common Uses
- Checking for lung disease in people with symptoms.
- Monitoring lung health after starting or changing medicine.
- Evaluating lung function before surgeries.
- Screening workers for job-related lung issues.
Possible Side Effects and Complications
Spirometry is typically safe, but some people might feel dizzy, tired, or out of breath for a short time. People with recent heart problems should avoid this test because of the effort it takes. In rare cases, severe breathing issues or airway obstruction may occur. Healthcare providers should keep equipment clean to help prevent infection.
Common Temporary Effects
| Symptom | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Dizziness | Sometimes |
| Shortness of breath | Sometimes |
| Coughing | Sometimes |
Note: Anyone with a history of recent heart attack or severe airway obstruction should let their healthcare provider know before doing this test.
Getting Ready for the Test
Follow the directions healthcare providers give, including whether certain inhaled medicines should be stopped before testing. Wear comfortable, loose clothing to make breathing easier. Avoid eating a big meal right before the test.
What You Can Expect During the Test
Patients sit down for their spirometry test. The healthcare provider explains the steps and answers any questions before starting. The provider places a small nose clip to keep the nostrils closed, so all air is directed through the mouth. The main steps of the procedure:
- The patient takes a deep breath in.
- They place their lips tightly around the tube connected to the spirometer.
- The patient breathes out as hard and fast as possible for several seconds.
This process checks how much air the patient can move in and out of the lungs and how quickly air flows during exhalation. Patients should follow instructions closely, as poor effort or an incomplete seal can affect the results.
Patients repeat the breathing maneuvers at least three times. Consistency across the tests is key. If the results are very different, the provider may ask for additional attempts. The provider records the highest values from the tests that are close together as the final result.
If the provider needs to assess airway issues, they may give a bronchodilator after the first tests. The patient waits about 15 minutes, then repeats the breathing steps. Comparing before and after results shows if airflow improves with the medicine. A full session usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
Key Points Table
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Deep breath in |
| Exhalation | Forceful breath out into tube |
| Patient effort | Maximum effort required |
| Repeat maneuvers | At least three times |
| Bronchodilator option | Second set performed if needed |
Outcomes
Spirometry measurements show key information about lung function. Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) tells how much air a person can exhale with force after taking the deepest breath possible. Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1) measures how much air a person pushes out in the first second of exhaling.
| Measurement | What it Shows | Meaning if Low |
|---|---|---|
| FVC | Lung capacity | Possible restriction |
| FEV1 | Airflow in one second | Possible airway blockage |
The FEV1/FVC ratio shows how well air moves through the lungs. Clinicians compare results to predicted values to help guide interpretation. Spirometry also reveals changes in lung volumes and, sometimes, diffusion capacity if other tests accompany it.
