2023-09-19 13:53:22
Definition: what is spirometry (pulmonary functional exploration)?
The spirometry is a painless test that assesses your ability to breathe and who can participate in diagnosis of various lung diseases as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We also talk aboutrespiratory functional explorations (EFR). More precisely, spirometry makes it possible to measure:
- the amount of area contained in the lungs (lung volumes);
- the flow rates of the air expelled during forced expiration, that is to say maximum voluntary (expiratory flow).
This examination is carried out in both adults and children (particularly in cases of childhood asthma).
Asthma, COPD, cough…: why do spirometry?
Your doctor may prescribe spirometry if:
- You are over 40 years old and are smokers or former smoker.
- YOU cough or spit since a while.
- You are out of breath while walking and/or you have to slow down walking due to shortness of breath.
- You have repeated ENT infections like the bronchitis.
- You have signs of a chronic respiratory disease (COPD, asthma).
- You are already receiving treatment for a lung disease. In this case, the examination may allow monitor the progress of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment.
Spirometry: how to prepare for these breathing tests?
During the 6 hours preceding the exam:
- Don’t drink alcohol or smoke ;
- Do not do strenuous exercise ;
- Don’t eat heavy meals. It is not necessary to fast for this exam.
Additionally, you should go to the exam wearing comfortable clothing. Wear loose clothing and avoid tight belts at the waist in order to breathe well. Also avoid being too covered so as not to get hot.
Spirometry: are there any contraindications?
It is not recommended to perform spirometry if:
- you have just undergone eye or ENT surgery;
- you recently had a pneumothorax;
- you suffer from an unstabilized cardiovascular disease such as myocardial infarction, high blood pressure or pulmonary embolism;
- you have symptoms of infectious diseases.
Additionally, if you are taking treatment for lung disease, you may be asked to stop it in preparation for the test. You should also report if you suffer from urinary leakage during exercise or vagal discomfort. In the first case, you should empty your bladder thoroughly before the exam. In the second, you may be allowed to lie down at any time during the exam. You can also consume a sugary drink before the tests.
Spirometry: how is the test carried out?
Spirometry is a quick and painless test. You must plan aumaximum 40 minutes. It takes place in a respiratory functional exploration laboratory.
You must make an appointment at the laboratory via the latter’s website and arrive there on time. Don’t forget your prescription and your vital card. You will be taken care of by the laboratory doctor. Sometimes an assistant/nurse can first note down some of your necessary information when interpreting the results (age, height, weight, etc.).
You are seated facing the doctor who will perform an examination on you. nose clip to breathe only through the mouth. You will be asked to blow into a device called spirometer to measure your breathing.
The spirometer is connected to a computer which records the results. The device measures how much air you exhale, and how quickly you do it.
For hygiene reasons, the spirometer is protected with a single-use mouthpiece so that you put your lips together.
Breathing exercises
First, the doctor will ask you to breathe normally into the spirometer. Then he will ask you to inhale and then exhale fully. You will then have to repeat the exercise without taking a breathing break. The goal is then to completely empty your lungs. You will repeat this exercise several times.
Other breathing tests
The doctor may deem it necessary to complete these first tests with:
- A bronchial provocation test : the exercises are repeated after inhaling a product that contracts the bronchi (histamine or methacholine) to cause an asthma attack. This test is carried out if you have symptoms that suggest asthma while the spirometry is normal.
- A reverse test or reversibility: the exercises are repeated after inhaling a active which dilates the bronchi (or bronchodilatateur). If the results improve during the reverse test, you may have asthma.
Please note, spirometry may require physical effort. If you feel dizzy during this test you should report it to the doctor.
Interpretation: how to read the results of spirometry?
It is not possible to interpret spirometry tests yourself, which provide numerical data and complex curves. It is first the laboratory doctor who will provide you with his complete assessment. Depending on your state of health and the assessment of your lung function, he may consider it useful to do other tests immediately or later by making another appointment. He transmits these results to the prescribing doctor.
Spirometry: what happens after these analyses?
After this exam, you may feel tired. However, you can return to your usual activities. In addition, you must make an appointment with your prescribing doctor as part of your follow-up.
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