Spirometry
Alternative names
respiratory function test
Definition
Spirometry is a diagnostic test belonging to the field of Pneumology that consists of measuring the amount of air that comes out of the lung during normal breathing or that carried out under special conditions, through the use of a spirometer or device adapted in the form of a mouthpiece that allows the recording volumes of expired air. It allows to know if there is a good functioning of the lung.
How is the study done?
The study is carried out in adapted rooms of the medical center or hospital by qualified personnel.
The patient remains seated during the study, he is asked to take a relaxed inspiration but to the maximum of his capacity, at the end of which a mouthpiece must be placed firmly in his mouth and he must expel as much air as possible for at least 6 seconds continuously. Later you will be asked to repeat the maneuver but this time trying to expel the maximum amount of air in the shortest possible time. The maneuvers should be repeated several times until reliable study results are obtained. The obtained values will be transferred to a graph to later be compared with standard graphs.
In some studies, bronchodilator drugs can be given.
The study usually lasts 10-15 minutes.
Previous preparation for the study
The study does not require any special preparation on the part of the patient, except to avoid, as far as possible, taking drugs that alter bronchial dynamics such as bronchodilators.
You should avoid large meals before the study, it is not necessary to fast. You should avoid drinking beverages that contain excitants like caffeine 6-8 hours before.
You should avoid smoking in the days leading up to the study.
It is advisable to rest minutes before the test and avoid wearing tight clothes.
What does the study feel like?
The study is painless for the patient.
Tiredness or a feeling of fatigue may appear during the test.
Study risks
- respiratory fatigue
- Fainting (occasional)
- Coughing fit
- Bronchospasm (rare)
Study contraindications
The patient should consult with his doctor before carrying out the study in case of:
Reasons why the study is carried out
Spirometry is a basic diagnostic test, widely known and used in the field of Medicine.
It allows an objective, simple, fast and safe assessment of the correct functioning of the lung.
It detects the presence of a respiratory problem of an obstructive type (difficulty for the entry of air into the airways) or of a restrictive type (difficulty for the exit of air from the airways).
It is a basic test for the study of patients with chronic obstructive disease () or with asthma.
It is a non-discriminatory test, so its results must be contrasted with later, more specific studies.
(Updated at Apr 14 / 2024)