What is Spirometry? A patient Information Video

Summary

The video script offers an in-depth look at spirometry, a lung function test used to diagnose and monitor respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD. It explains the process, from preparation to the actual breathing test, emphasizing the importance of full breaths and proper technique for accurate results. The script also covers the significance of key measurements like FVC and FEV1, and how they inform treatment. Additionally, it features a patient's experience and a doctor's explanation of the test results, highlighting the test's role in ensuring lung health.

Takeaways

• 🧪 Spirometry is a lung function test that measures how much air you can inhale, exhale, and how quickly you can exhale.
• 🏥 It is used to diagnose respiratory illnesses like asthma or COPD and to monitor lung function over time.
• 💊 The test can help assess the response to medication or the progression and severity of lung diseases.
• 👩‍⚕️ Doctors decide how often the test should be conducted based on the individual's lung condition.
• 🚫 It is a safe test, but some may find it tiring due to the effort required to exhale forcefully and completely.
• 🤔 Inform the test administrator if you feel nervous or have had difficulties with the test before; they can provide reassurance and help you relax.
• 🚭 Avoid smoking, vaping, and vigorous exercise before the test, and wear comfortable clothing; no need to fast but avoid a large meal.
• 💡 If it's your first time, you might need to withhold inhalers, depending on healthcare professional advice or local testing center protocol.
• 📋 Bring a list of your inhalers to the test and be prepared to answer questions about medications and smoking history.
• 🔍 The test involves breathing in and out of a mouthpiece while wearing a nose peg to ensure all breathing is through the mouth.
• 📈 The test may be repeated after using an inhaler to measure bronchodilator response, indicating the effect of the inhaler on airways.
• 📊 Key measurements from spirometry include FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) and FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second), which indicate lung size and airway obstruction.

Q & A

What is spirometry and what does it measure?

Spirometry is a test used to assess lung function by measuring the amount and speed of air a person can inhale and exhale.

What conditions can spirometry help diagnose?

Spirometry can help diagnose respiratory-related illnesses such as asthma, COPD, and other conditions that affect breathing.

How can spirometry be used to monitor lung function over time?

Spirometry can be used to monitor lung function by assessing the response to medication, disease progression, and severity, which may involve repeating the test at different intervals.

Is spirometry a one-time test or can it be repeated?

Spirometry can be performed just once or repeated more frequently, depending on the doctor's recommendation and the patient's lung condition.

What should a person avoid doing before taking a spirometry test?

A person should avoid smoking, vaping, and vigorous exercise before the test, and should wear comfortable clothing and avoid a large meal prior to testing.

Do you need to fast before a spirometry test?

No, fasting is not required before a spirometry test.

What should you bring to the spirometry test?

You should bring a list of your inhalers and medications with you to the test.

What happens during the spirometry test?

During the test, you will be asked to breathe in and out of a mouthpiece while wearing a nose peg, and you will be guided through the process by the technician.

What is the purpose of the bronchodilator response test in spirometry?

The bronchodilator response test measures the effect of an inhaler on airways by repeating spirometry about 15 to 20 minutes after taking the inhaler to see if there is an improvement.

What are the two main readings measured during a spirometry test?

The two main readings measured during a spirometry test are FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) and FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in one second), which provide information on lung size and the amount of air exhaled forcefully in the first second of the test.

How are the results of a spirometry test typically discussed with the patient?

The test results are generally not discussed with the patient by the person conducting the test. Instead, the report is given to the doctor who ordered the test, and they will discuss the results with the patient.