A painless pulmonary function test in which lung volumes and flow rates are measured while the patient inhales and exhales maximally through a mouthpiece.
Indication
- Evaluation of persistent cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath
- Initial diagnosis of COPD and grading of severity (FEV1/FVC < 0.70 criterion)
- Confirmation of asthma diagnosis and monitoring of control
- Detection of early lung damage in smokers
- Preoperative assessment of pulmonary reserve
- Lung follow-up after occupational exposure (dust, chemicals)
- Monitoring of treatment response (bronchodilators, ICS)
Preparation
- No smoking for at least 1 hour before the test
- Short-acting bronchodilators are stopped 4-6 hours, long-acting ones 12-24 hours before the test (under physician guidance)
- Avoid heavy meals and tight clothing before the test
- The test may need to be postponed if there is an upper respiratory tract infection
How it's performed
- The patient sits upright and a clip is placed on the nose
- The lips are sealed tightly around the mouthpiece to prevent air leak
- The patient first breathes normally, then inhales maximally
- A forceful exhalation is performed for more than 6 seconds
- The test is repeated at least three times and the best result is evaluated
- If indicated, a reversibility test is performed 15 minutes after a bronchodilator
Post-procedure
- Results are interpreted by a pulmonologist
- FEV1, FVC, and the FEV1/FVC ratio are evaluated according to age, sex, and height
- An increase of at least 12% and 200 mL in FEV1 after a bronchodilator is accepted as reversibility
- The test may be repeated every 3-12 months depending on the diagnosis and treatment plan
Risks
- Transient dizziness or mild headache during forced exhalation
- Rarely, a coughing fit may be triggered
- The test is postponed in patients with recent heart attack, chest/abdominal surgery, or pneumothorax
- Can be performed during pregnancy, but some maneuvers may be limited in the third trimester
FAQ
Is spirometry painful?
No, it is a painless test. However, forceful exhalations may cause brief fatigue, dizziness, or coughing. The test takes 15-20 minutes.
Are the results available the same day?
Raw values are usually obtained shortly after the procedure and the pulmonologist interprets them together with the clinical picture. The report is generally provided the same day or within a short time.
Should I take my medications on the day of the test?
If a reversibility measurement is planned, short-acting bronchodilators may need to be stopped 4-6 hours and long-acting ones 12-24 hours before the test. Do not stop chronic medications without your physician's advice.
How often should the test be repeated?
It is repeated during diagnosis, treatment changes, and disease follow-up. It is recommended yearly or with symptom changes in COPD and asthma.
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