Spirometry (Lung Function Test) – What to Expect

What is spirometry?

Spirometry is the most common of the pulmonary function tests. It is a lung function test that measures the flow of air through the lungs – that is how much air a person breathes out and how quickly.

To take a spirometry test, you would be asked to sit and breathe into a small machine called spirometer. It is used to diagnose these conditions:

• COPD
• Asthma
• Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis
• Other lung diseases

Other reasons why spirometry is done:

• To determine lung capacity
• To measure the changes over time of chronic diseases on lung function
• To identify early changes in lung function and in some cases to help guide treatment
• To detect narrowing in the airways
• To show whether exposure to substances has altered lung function

Preparing for spirometry test

Preparing for spirometry test means these will help you breathe into the tube or machine more comfortable and make your results more accurate.

• Not take your breathing medicines for a short time
• Wear loose-fitting clothing for the test
• Not eat a large meal 2 hours before
• Not do any heavy exercising 30 minutes before the test

What to expect during spirometry test?

It is an office-based diagnostic test that is short, simple, and commonly used. Generally soft clips are placed on your nose so that you effectively breathe out only to the tube. You will be asked to take a deep breath in and blow as hard and fast as you can.

You feel no pain during the test. It is repeated three times to make sure the results are accurate. Overall, it takes 30 mins to complete the test. Sometimes you may also feel coughing as a result of blowing into the tube.

Next steps…

Asthma and COPD are the primary lung conditions that is diagnosed by abnormal spirometry results.

If your pulmonlogist finds that your results are abnormal, they’ll likely perform other tests to determine whether or not your impaired breathing is caused by a breathing disorder. These could include chest and sinus X-rays or blood tests.

Looking for spirometry test in Ahmedabad? Contact Swastik Clinic.