What is a spirometry test?

Question

I have to go for a spiometry test, but what does this actually entail?

sorry, second line should read...spirometry.

Answer 1

How is spirometry performed?

A spirometry test is done with a spirometer, which consists of a mouthpiece and disposable tubing connected to a machine that records the results and displays them on a graph.

To perform spirometry, a person inhales deeply, closes the mouth tightly around the tube and then exhales through the tubing while measurements are taken. Some test measurements are obtained by normal breathing, and other tests require rapid and forceful inhalation and/or exhalation. The volume of air inhaled or exhaled, and the length of time each breath takes are recorded and analyzed.

Nose clips are usually used to make sure air is only coming out of the mouth. Sometimes a test will be repeated to get the best and maximum effort. Often, the tests are repeated after a person takes a medication that opens the airways of the lungs (a bronchodilator). A spirometry test can take anywhere from five minutes to a half an hour, depending on the different types of breathing tests being measured.

Common parameters that spirometry measures are:

* Forced vital capacity (FVC) - The maximum volume of air, measured in liters that can be forcibly and rapidly exhaled.


* Forced expiratory volume (FEV1) - The volume of air expelled in the first second of a forced expiration.

Answer 2

If you are physically fit (and I assume you are or you would not be going after being a voluunteer firefighter), you should pass with flying colors. I don't know which test they will give you but it will be some sort of pulmonary function test which tests your lung capacity. This is so that when you have all of that equipment on and the extra weight, it does not put you into an asthma attack or stress your body so much that you can't breathe. They just have to make sure you have healthy lungs with a good capacity before you start your training.

Answer 3

What happens during the spirometry test?
This simple test, called spirometry, measures air flow into and out of the lungs. A person blows very hard and fast into a tube attached to the spirometer and a computerized sensor calculates and graphs the results. The results demonstrate an individual's air flow rates or the volume forced out within the first second. This indicates whether or not there is airway obstruction. Spirometry also records the total volume of air forced out of the lungs. Spirometry test results are useful in making the diagnosis of a specific lung disorder. Even more important, yearly spirometry measurements help to detect lung disease at an early stage when lifestyle changes and treatment may help forestall future problems.

Why test my lung function?
Dr. Cherniack gives as an example, "If I measured the lung capacity of a 20-year-old man and it was normal, and measured it again when he was 30 and found it was excessively reduced even though still considered normal, I would certainly find out why it was deteriorating so rapidly," Dr. Cherniack said. "But without regular measurements, I would never know about the deterioration in the first place.

"Many people don't realize that lung damage caused by smoking generally occurs gradually over many years. By the time a person experiences symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing, significant lung damage may have already occurred. By documenting yearly spirometry results and noting whether lung function was decreasing at an abnormal rate, this individual may be convinced to quit smoking at a younger age.

The mortality rate for chronic obstructive lung diseases has increased while death rates for some other leading causes of death have declined. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, chronic obstructive lung diseases including emphysema killed 107,086 Americans in 1991. COPD had the greatest increase since 1980 and is now the fourth leading cause of death due to disease and may have been a contributing factor in an equal number of deaths.Although spirometry testing cannot screen for lung cancer, the National Jewish physician said that cutting the death rate of chronic bronchitis and emphysema makes its widespread use more than worthwhile.

"The spirometry test is really analogous to the blood pressure measurement," Dr. Cherniack said. "Both should be given every time a physician sees a patient, since both tests show changes that can be recognized immediately."

Answer 4

What is spirometry?

Spirometry is the most basic and frequently performed test of pulmonary (lung) function. A device called a spirometer is used to measure how much air the lungs can hold and how well the respiratory system is able to move air into and out of the lungs. Because spirometry is based on a maximal forced exhalation, the accuracy of its results are highly dependent on the patient's understanding, cooperation, and best efforts.

Spirometry differs from peak flow readings in that spirometry records the entire forced breathing capacity against time, and peak flow records the largest breathing flow that can be sustained for 10 milliseconds. Both are often used in asthma care.

Answer 5

Spirometry is the most basic and frequently performed test of pulmonary (lung) function. A device called a spirometer is used to measure how much air the lungs can hold and how well the respiratory system is able to move air into and out of the lungs. Because spirometry is based on a maximal forced exhalation, the accuracy of its results are highly dependent on the patient's understanding, cooperation, and best efforts.

Spirometry differs from peak flow readings in that spirometry records the entire forced breathing capacity against time, and peak flow records the largest breathing flow that can be sustained for 10 milliseconds. Both are often used in asthma care.

Answer 6

People who suffer from Asthma or bronchitus or a Copd would be asked to have a regular check up. The asthma nuse would ask the patient to take several spirometry tests. First of all you will be asked to blow out air as quickly as possible into a tube and this measures in litres how much air you have blown out at speed. The second test measures how much air your lungs can contain with a small allowance for what is left, this test involves you blowing again through a tube and to continue blowing for as long as is comfortable and reasonable.

Both tests draw a line graph for your medical records.

The results of both these tests are a check on your lung function and can tell the nurse or doctor how effective your treatment is with your given condition.

Try not to worry about these tests they are very simple, you do not need to fast the day before or eat lightly on the day. you just have to be your normal self. It is your normal self that is being checked over. Medications for asthma are not normally taken before these tests, as the nurse may well want to check how you take your medications after taking the spirometry readings.

You should take all your medications with you plus any spacer devices that you use.

Remember most inhalers administer a dose of medicine which is long acting on the lungs, particularly preventers slow release 12 hours...a reliever should only be taken when needed to retain it effectiveness in the event of a spasm...hence you should not take them before the spirometry tests.

If you do take your medicines before this test you will have inaccurate results as to the condition of your lungs.

Answer 7

It measures your lung capacity: verify if you have asthma or a lung disorder and how well your lungs can expand. It seems simple but takes practice and coordination to do the test. No needles or injections are involved. What you do is blow into this tube hooked up to a computer. You blow as hard and fast as you can at three different times. The needle on the flow chart will reach a certain value which will evaluate your lung capacity and effort. Only thing to be cautioned about is that you can become dizzy or short of breath, so they may have you sit down and do it: which makes it harder to blow better.Have fun!!LOL

Answer 8

Spirometry test = measures the air capacity in your lungs, the test is non-invasive and mostly requires breathing in and out and holding your breath etc... When you go for the test, ask the person who is administering the test to explain it to you if they don't volunteer to do it first, which is what they should do! Good Luck!

Answer 9

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Answer 10

~~~WHAT IS SPIROMETRY?~~~

Spirometry is the most basic and frequently performed test of pulmonary (lung) function. A device called a spirometer is used to measure how much air the lungs can hold and how well the respiratory system is able to move air into and out of the lungs. Because spirometry is based on a maximal forced exhalation, the accuracy of its results are highly dependent on the patient's understanding, cooperation, and best efforts.

Spirometry differs from peak flow readings in that spirometry records the entire forced breathing capacity against time, and peak flow records the largest breathing flow that can be sustained for 10 milliseconds. Both are often used in asthma care.


~~~WHY WOULD I NEED A SPIROMETRY TEST?~~~

This test is used to determine the cause of shortness of breath, to rule out any kind of obstructive disease that blocks breathing, or restrictive disease that limits the expansion and capacity of the lungs. Spirometry is most often used to diagnose and monitor lung problems, such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or asthma.

Spirometry is also used to monitor how well medications for respiratory problems are working and to evaluate breathing capability prior to surgery.


~~~HOW IS SPIROMETRY PERFORMED?~~~

A spirometry test is done with a spirometer, which consists of a mouthpiece and disposable tubing connected to a machine that records the results and displays them on a graph.

To perform spirometry, a person inhales deeply, closes the mouth tightly around the tube and then exhales through the tubing while measurements are taken. Some test measurements are obtained by normal breathing, and other tests require rapid and forceful inhalation and/or exhalation. The volume of air inhaled or exhaled, and the length of time each breath takes are recorded and analyzed.

Nose clips are usually used to make sure air is only coming out of the mouth. Sometimes a test will be repeated to get the best and maximum effort. Often, the tests are repeated after a person takes a medication that opens the airways of the lungs (a bronchodilator). A spirometry test can take anywhere from five minutes to a half an hour, depending on the different types of breathing tests being measured.

Common parameters that spirometry measures are:

Forced vital capacity (FVC) - The maximum volume of air, measured in liters that can be forcibly and rapidly exhaled.

Forced expiratory volume (FEV1) - The volume of air expelled in the first second of a forced expiration.


~~~WHAT ARE NORMAL SPIROMETRY RESULTS?~~~

Normal spirometry results are based on the age, height, and gender of the person being tested and most are expressed as a percentage of a predicted value. Normal spirometry results include:

Tidal volume - 5 to 7 milliliters per kilogram of body weight

Expiratory reserve volume - 25 percent of vital capacity

Inspiratory capacity - 75 percent of vital capacity

Forced expiratory volume - 75 percent of vital capacity after one second, 94 percent after two seconds, and 97 percent after three seconds


~~WHAT ARE ABNORMAL SPIROMETRY RESULTS?~~

Spirometry results are expressed as a percentage, and are considered abnormal if less than 80 percent of the normal predicted value. An abnormal result usually indicates the presence of some degree of obstructive lung disease such as asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or restrictive lung disease such as pulmonary fibrosis. FEV1 values (percentage of predicted) can be used to classify the obstruction that may occur with asthma and other obstructive lung diseases like emphysema or chronic bronchitis:

FEV1 65 percent to 79 percent predicted = Mild obstruction

FEV1 40 percent to 59 percent predicted = Moderate obstruction

FEV1 less than 40 percent predicted = Severe obstruction


~~~ARE THEIR RISKS
ASSOCIATED WITH SPIROMETRY?~~~

The risks are minimal for most people. Because the test involves forced and rapid breathing, some people may experience temporary shortness of breath. Spirometry should not be done if a person suffers from chest pains, has had a recent heart attack, or has serious heart disease.


~~~HOW SHOULD I PREPARE
BEFORE SPIROMETRY?~~~

Do not eat a heavy meal before spirometry testing.

Refrain from smoking for four to six hours before the test.

Empty your bladder right before testing.

Specific instructions are given if medications such as bronchodilators or inhalers need to be withheld before the test.

Sometimes, medication may be inhaled prior to the test, to test how well an individual responds to medication.

GOOD LUCK! =)