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Spirometry How the Test is Performed:
Perform the test by breathing into an instrument called a spirometer that records the amount of air and the rate of air that is breathed in over a specified time. Some of the test measurements are obtained by normal breathing, and other tests require forced inhalation and/or exhalation.
How to Prepare:
Do not eat a heavy meal before the test. Do not smoke for 4 to 6 hours prior to the test. Specific instructions will be given if bronchodilators or inhaler medications are to be withheld before the test. Sometimes, medication may be inhaled prior to the test.
Children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
How it Feels:
Since the test involved some forced breathing and rapid breathing , some temporary shortness of breath may be experienced. There is a tight fitting mouth piece to breathe through, and nose clips are applied.
Risks:
The risk is minimal for most people. There is a small risk of collapsed lung in people with a certain type of lung disease . The test should not be given to people with a recent heart attack and in certain other types of heart disease .
Why this Test is Performed:
The test is performed to diagnose certain types of lung disease (especially asthma , bronchitis , and emphysema ), to determine the cause of shortness of breath , for occupational exposure to contaminants, after the use of medications, and to measure progress in disease treatment.
Normal Values:
Normal values are based upon the age, height, and gender of the person being tested. Normal results are expressed as a percentage, and are considered abnormal if it is less than 80% of the predicted value for that person.
Abnormal Results:
Abnormal results usually mean that a degree of chest or lung disease may be present.
Cost:
Information not available.
Special Considerations:
Cooperation from the patient performing the test is crucial in providing accurate results.
A poor seal around the mouthpiece of the spirometer can give poor results.
Do not smoke before the test.
Spirometry is a painless study of air volume and flow rate within the lungs. Spirometry is frequently used to evaluate lung function in people with obstructive or restrictive lung diseases (such as asthma or cystic fibrosis).
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