Why is this procedure done?
Spirometry is a kind of breathing test. It is used to check how well your lungs work. Spirometry checks how much air you breathe in and out. It also looks at how much air you can quickly breathe out. ‚
Your doctor may order this test to learn more about: ‚
- An illness like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- How well your lungs are working when you are being treated for lung problems or to know how well your lungs are responding to treatments
- If your signs are under control
- How well your drugs are working
- To check your lungs for changes from age, smoking, or former smoking
- To find out more about signs like a worsening cough, a cough with mucus, or exposure to things like harmful inhaled substances that bother your lungs
- Your baseline measures before treatments or surgery, especially if your drugs may have any effect on your lungs
What will the results be?
The test results will provide 2 main numbers or readings. ‚
- Forced Vital Capacity is also known as FVC. This is the largest amount of air you can blow out after taking a very deep breath.
- Forced Expiratory Volume is also known as FEV-1. It is how much air you can force from your lungs in 1 second.
Lower numbers on either of these tests may mean you have problems breathing. Always talk with your doctor about your test results and what they mean for you. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Talk to your doctor about all the drugs you take. These include bronchodilators, pain drugs, and sleeping pills. Ask your doctor if you need to stop taking them before your test.
- Do not smoke; drink beer, wine, or mixed drinks; or exercise for at least 4 to 6 hours before your test.
- Wear loose clothing that will not limit your breathing.
What happens during the procedure?
- You can sit or stand up straight. In some cases, you will have a nose clip on your nose.
- You will be asked to take a deep breath. You will put the mouth piece in your mouth and breathe out as hard and fast as you can. The mouth piece is attached to a machine called a spirometer.
- The staff will want you to breathe out all of the air in your lungs. They may encourage you to breathe longer or to push out more air.
- You will repeat this test at least 3 times.
- Sometimes, you will take a drug to allow your lungs to take in more air or breathe out more air and then do the test again in about 15 minutes. This will let your doctor see if the drug has helped you breathe more easily.
- The test may take from 15 to 30 minutes. It will depend on the type and how many tests you had.
What happens after the procedure?
- You can go home right after the tests.
- Ask the doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may go back to your normal activities when you go home. Ask your doctor if it is ok to restart any drugs you normally take. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- The results will help your doctor find out what kind of lung problem you have. Together you can make a plan for more care.
What problems could happen?
- A small risk of a lung collapse is possible with some types of lung disease
- Dizziness
- Feeling short of breath
Where can I learn more?
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/lft/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚