Espirometria: entendendo o exame

Summary

This video explains spirometry, a lung function test that measures the amount of air entering and leaving the lungs. It is used to diagnose and monitor respiratory problems. The video covers preparation tips, including medication adjustments, avoiding certain foods and activities before the test, and ensuring the correct posture during the procedure. It also emphasizes the importance of following instructions carefully to achieve accurate results. The test is repeated with a bronchodilator to assess the response to medication. The process, precautions, and steps for performing the test correctly are clearly outlined.

Takeaways

• 😀 Spirometry is a test used to assess lung function by measuring the amount of air entering and exiting the lungs.
• 😀 It helps diagnose and monitor respiratory issues such as shortness of breath, coughing, and lung diseases.
• 😀 Certain individuals, such as those with high blood pressure or recent respiratory infections, should postpone the test.
• 😀 Before the test, bronchodilator medication should be discontinued 4 hours prior, and regular medication should be paused 12 hours before the test, unless advised otherwise by a doctor.
• 😀 Avoid caffeine, large meals, alcohol, and intense physical activity for 6 hours before the test.
• 😀 During the test, the patient must sit upright, wear a nasal clip, and use a mouthpiece to prevent air leakage.
• 😀 The patient will be asked to perform normal breathing and then take a deep breath followed by a forceful, sustained exhalation into the spirometer.
• 😀 A minimum of three valid attempts must be made to ensure the results are reproducible and accurate.
• 😀 Proper technique during the test is critical, including a strong and uninterrupted exhalation for at least 6 seconds or until a plateau is reached.
• 😀 A bronchodilator challenge may be performed after the initial test to assess how the lungs respond to medication, typically using salbutamol.
• 😀 The dosage of the bronchodilator varies by age: 200 micrograms for children under 12 and adults over 60, and 400 micrograms for individuals over 12 and under 60.

Q & A

What is spirometry and why is it performed?

Spirometry is a lung function test used to measure the amount of air a person can inhale and exhale. It is performed to assess respiratory function, diagnose breathing issues, and track symptoms such as shortness of breath or chronic coughing.

What are the main precautions to take before undergoing spirometry?

Before the test, patients should avoid using bronchodilators (inhalers) for at least 4 hours, long-acting medications 12 hours before, and refrain from drinking coffee or tea for 6 hours. They should also avoid heavy meals, smoking, alcohol, intense physical activity, and drugs.

Can someone with high blood pressure take the spirometry test?

People with high blood pressure, recent respiratory infections, or certain recent surgeries (such as eye or abdominal surgeries) should avoid spirometry or consult their doctor before taking the test.

Is fasting required before spirometry?

No, fasting is not required before the test. However, large meals like feijoada should be avoided at least one hour before, and beverages like coffee or tea should not be consumed for at least 6 hours prior to the test.

What should the healthcare professional do before starting the spirometry test?

The healthcare professional must calibrate the spirometer before beginning the test. Additionally, they should ask the patient about any recent respiratory symptoms and conditions, and gather the patient’s personal information to help calculate reference values for the test.

What is the correct posture and technique during spirometry?

The patient should sit upright with their back straight, wearing a nasal clip to prevent air from passing through the nose. The mouth should be sealed around the spirometer’s mouthpiece, and the patient should exhale forcefully as instructed, without hesitation.

How many attempts are allowed during a spirometry test?

A patient can attempt the spirometry test up to 8 times, but only three of those attempts need to meet the quality standards for the results to be valid.

What is the importance of the bronchodilator test in spirometry?

The bronchodilator test evaluates how the patient's lung function responds to medication (e.g., salbutamol). It is done by performing the same spirometry test before and after the use of the bronchodilator to assess improvements in lung function.

What dosage of bronchodilator is used for children and adults?

For children under 12 years old and seniors over 60, a dosage of 200 micrograms of salbutamol is used (2 puffs). For children over 12 years old and adults under 60, the dosage is 400 micrograms (4 puffs).

What should a healthcare professional do if the spirometry test results are not accurate?

If the results are inaccurate, it is crucial to ensure that the patient followed the correct technique. If needed, the test should be repeated. A poorly performed test can lead to incorrect diagnoses, such as mistakenly assuming the presence of a respiratory condition.