Spirometry

Spirometry is a test that  is often used to test breathing function. It is a simple, fast and  painless test that measures the volume of the air that the subject can  exhale from the lungs. It is used in the detection and monitoring of  asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung  diseases. The test lasts about 15 minutes.

INDICATIONS / WHY IT IS DONE?

•  For the purpose of detecting and proving asthma, chronic obstructive  pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema,  pulmonary fibrosis ….

• In order to monitor the effects and effectiveness of therapy for patients who already have a disease of these diseases.

HOW IT IS PERFORMED:

•  Spirometry is a test done by breathing in a tube connected to a device  called a spirometer. Before you begin the test, a medical worker will  explain to you in detail the technique of performing the test. You need  to listen carefully to the instructions and it is desirable to ask  questions if something is not clear to you. The correct technique for  performing the test is necessary for the results of the test to be  accurate.

• During the examination you sit on a chair, a medical  worker will put a clip on your nose. With the appliance (spirometry) you  are connected through the “mouthpiece” of the tube (plastic or  cardboard) that is changed for each respondent. The mouthpiece must be  covered with lips so that the tongue does not enter the mouth, and the  air does not come out of the mouth and the tubes as you breathe.

•  First you will breathe gently through the mouthpiece. After that, a  medical worker will ask you to lightly exhale all the air from the  lungs, breathe in the maximum, hold your breath, tighten your lips  around the mouth and tighten all airway lungs faster (as the lungs are  not completely “emptied”). After this you can breathe normally and rest.

• For the accuracy and correctness of the test results, the test should be repeated three times.

POTENTIAL RISKS

• Spirometry is very rarely followed by complications. Shortly after the test, you may feel a lack of air or dizziness.

• You do not have to do spirometry if you have recently had a heart attack or other heart problems.

• Very rarely performing a test can provoke serious breathing problems.

PREPARATION:

•  It is necessary to omit certain medications before this examination, if  your doctor has stressed it (short-acting ß2 – agonists should be  omitted 6 hours before spirometry, long-acting ß2-agonists 12 hours,  Ipratropium and Fenoterol for 6 hours, and Tiotropium for 24 hours).

• Dress up comfortable clothes that will allow you to carry out the test safely.

• Do not have a big meal before spirometry.