Spirometry Test - Assess Your Lung Function

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What is a spirometry test?

Spirometry is a simple test used to help diagnose and monitor certain lung conditions by measuring how much air you can breathe out in one forced breath. It's carried out using a device called a spirometer, which is a small machine attached by a cable to a mouthpiece.

What is spirometry used for?

Spirometry is used to diagnose and monitor some lung conditions. Spirometry is used to help diagnose asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It can also help identify other lung issues, such as pulmonary fibrosis (scarring in the lungs). Spirometry can be used to monitor your lung condition, especially if it’s not well controlled.

What does obstructive pattern mean on a spirometry test?

If your lungs and airways are healthy, you can blow out most of your breath in the first second. This pattern tells your doctor that your spirometry test is normal when compared to the expected results for you. An obstructive pattern is typical if you have a lung condition that narrows your airways, such as COPD or asthma.

What causes unexpected spirometry results?

The primary lung conditions that will cause unexpected spirometry results include obstructive diseases such as asthma and COPD and restrictive diseases such as interstitial pulmonary fibrosis. Your doctor may also screen for conditions that commonly occur together with breathing disorders that can make your symptoms worse.

What spirometry measurements are used?

The most common spirometry measurements used are: Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). This is the amount of air you can blow out within one second. With normal lungs and airways you can normally blow out most of the air from your lungs within one second.

How is a spirometry test done?

A spirometry test is done using a small machine attached to a mouthpiece, called a spirometer. The nurse or healthcare assistant can show you how to blow into the spirometer before starting the test. Wear a clip on your nose to make sure all the air from your lungs goes into the mouthpiece.

What Is Spirometry

1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/spirometry/
2. https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/symptoms-tests-treatments/tests/spirometry
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/spirometry
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/spirometry/about/pac-20385201
5. https://patient.info/chest-lungs/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-leaflet/spirometry
6. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17833-spirometry
7. https://www.pcrs-uk.org/sites/default/files/SpirometryUpdated2017_V2.pdf
8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirometry
9. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/spirometry

Spirometry Information

1. https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/spirometry/
2. https://www.lhch.nhs.uk/media/.leaflets/64ad25c409d978.25836865.pdf