Understanding Spirometry Tests and Conditions that Require them

Spirometry is one of the examination methods to evaluate lung function and diagnose lung conditions. By using a device called a spirometer, the doctor will ask you to breathe on the device and then the doctor will assess your lung function. Spirometry tests are generally done in a hospital or doctor's office and only takes about 15 minutes. This test will show the condition of the lungs, including how much air can be inhaled and expelled. Spirometry can be used to diagnose diseases of the respiratory system such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.

Order of Spirometry Procedures

About 24 hours before doing spirometry, it is recommended to stop smoking and drinking alcohol. In addition, you should also not undergo heavy exercise or eating large portions a few hours before the spirometry examination. When going to do spirometry tests, you should avoid wearing tight clothing. It's also possible that the doctor will ask you to stop using certain medications beforehand. The order of the spirometry test procedure is:

• You will be asked to sit in the space provided by the doctor, after that the doctor will put a kind of clip on the nose that is useful to cover your nose.
• Next the doctor will put a mask or breathing mask in your mouth, then ask you to take a deep breath, hold your breath for a few seconds, then exhale as hard as possible into the breathing mask.
• Usually this test is done at least three times to ensure consistent results. After an examination and results, the doctor will assess your lung function.

After the initial spirometry test is complete, it is possible that the doctor will give you a inhaled bronchodilator to widen the airway, then after 15 minutes a repeat spirometry will be performed. The doctor will then compare the results of the two measurements to assess the effectiveness of the bronchodilator in improving your airway. The side effects that may occur when spirometry tests are feeling a little dizzy and sometimes shortness of breath after doing the test.

Conditions that Require Spirometry

There are several health conditions that need to be examined by spirometry tests, one of which is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a lung disease caused by chronic inflammation that causes obstructed air flow in the lungs causing coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Spirometry tests are usually done every 1-2 years to assess respiratory function in people who have COPD. Other conditions that require spirometry are:

• Asthma

Asthma is a type of chronic disease caused by inflammation and narrowing of the airways that causes shortness of breath and coughing. Asthma symptoms can occur if there are infections, allergies, exposure to pollution, to anxiety.

• Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition in which the lungs and digestive system are blocked by thick, sticky mucus.

• Lung fibrosis

Lung fibrosis disease occurs when lung tissue is damaged and scar tissue forms in the lung tissue. This scar tissue makes the lungs become stiffer so that it interferes with breathing.

Spirometry tests can also help your doctor determine the severity of the lung disease you are experiencing or as a method for assessing your treatment response. If you have lung or respiratory problems, ask your doctor if you may need a spirometry test to see if there is a disturbance in your respiratory function. After the spirometry examination, the doctor will explain the results of the examination and can provide further treatment.