Pulmonary Function Test (Spirometry)

Breathing comfortably is something many people take for granted until it becomes difficult. Daily breathlessness, continuous coughing, or tightness in the chest may cause significant discomfort and anxiety. Although scans and blood tests may provide the required information, they do not necessarily reveal the condition of the actual functioning of the lungs. It is at this stage that a spirometry or Pulmonary Function Test comes in.

Spirometry is a simple, non-invasive diagnostic test that helps doctors assess lung function. Spirometry is a routine respiratory assessment that is performed at Gleneagles Hospitals to enable patients to learn about their breathing health and receive suitable care.

A Pulmonary Function Test determines the effectiveness with which the lungs inhale air, the capacity to retain it, and the ability to exhale it. Pulmonary function testing is commonly performed using spirometry.

During spirometry, the patient is instructed to inhale into a small apparatus called a spirometer. This instrument measures the capacity of the lungs and the rate at which air is exhaled. The outcomes provide physicians with useful data on lung strength and airflow.

Spirometry does not involve needles, injections, or radiation. It is safe, fast, and can be used on adults as well as on children who can adhere to the breathing instructions.

Spirometry is a widely used lung function test that measures lung capacity. It helps doctors determine whether an individual's respiratory capacity is within the normal range and is important for diagnosing and monitoring respiratory illnesses.

Spirometry is performed to:

• Identify lung and airway disorders, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis.
• Measure lung capacity and airflow.
• Measure the changes in lung function over time, especially in chronic respiratory disorders.
• Identify the initial symptoms of airway constriction.
• Guide treatment decisions and assess response to inhaled medications.
  Evaluate the impact of environmental or occupational exposures.
• Predict the probability of breathing problems during the preoperative phase.

Spirometry can be recommended for individuals with respiratory symptoms or those at risk of lung disease.

This includes:

• People who have difficulty breathing either during exercise or when at rest.
• Individuals having persistent coughs.
• Smokers or former smokers
• Patients with a family history of lung disease.
• People exposed to dust, fumes, or chemicals at their workplace.
• Patients with known asthma or chronic lung conditions

Results of spirometry are used, along with symptoms and medical history, to plan care by doctors.

At Gleneagles Hospitals, spirometry is performed by qualified respiratory technicians in a calming and supportive environment.

How to Prepare for a Spirometry Test

Adequate preparation will aid in getting correct and valid spirometry outcomes. The healthcare provider can recommend that the patient adhere to the following instructions prior to the test:

• Temporarily stop certain breathing or inhaler medications, as directed.
• Wear clothing that is loosely fitting and not tight around the chest.
• Avoid eating a heavy meal at least two hours before the test.
• Avoid heavy work, such as lifting heavy objects within 30 minutes before the test.

These rules will enable the lungs to operate in a natural manner during the test and enhance the accuracy of the results.

How Is a Spirometry Test Performed?

Spirometry is most commonly performed in a doctor’s clinic or a specialised lung function laboratory. During the test:

• A soft clip is put on the nose so that one only breathes through the mouth.
• The patient inhales into a mouthpiece, which is hooked onto a spirometer.
• They are requested to inhale and then blow hard into the device.
• The spirometer takes the amount of air which is exhaled and the rate at which it moves out of the lungs.

The test is repeated at least three times to ensure that it gives consistent and correct results. The patient, in certain instances, can be requested to inhale a drug that dilates the airways, after which repeat tests are done. Pretreatment and post-treatment outcomes can be used to measure the effectiveness of treatment.

What to Expect After Spirometry

After the test:

• The patient is able to resume normal medication and other routine activities, including exercise.
• Tests are provided after the medical professional has reviewed them.

Additional tests,  like lung volume and diffusion capacity study, can be recommended. They are used to assess the oxygen delivery and the general lung functioning, and facilitate the correct diagnosis and follow-up on respiratory diseases.

Normal spirometer level differs among different individuals since it depends on age, sex, height, and health. The medical workers contrast the outcomes of a person with established values that correspond to their demographics.

Spirometry mainly measures:

• Forced Vital Capacity (FVC): The total volume of air that can be forcefully exhaled after a deep inhalation.
• Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV₁): This is the volume of air expelled during the first second of the test.

The results obtained after the test are compared and contrasted with the expected normal values. As a rule, the range of 80 per cent or more of the expectancy is regarded as normal.

Spirometry is considered very safe. The few side effects that occur are normally mild and temporary. Some people may experience:

• Temporary dizziness
• Mild coughing
• Shortness of breath during the test

Serious complications are extremely rare. Staff at the Gleneagles Hospitals observe the patients during the test.

Spirometry has a number of benefits in lung management:

• Early detection of breathing problems.
• Assists in monitoring the disease.
• Helps in the treatment response assessment.
• Helps in making informed decisions.
• Encourages better understanding of lung health

Diagnosis at an early stage of the disease, there is a likelihood of improved quality of life and symptom control.

Gleneagles Hospitals offer end-to-end respiratory services, with an emphasis on precision and patient convenience.

Key features include:

• Intensively trained respiratory technicians.
• Standardised testing procedures.
• Elucidation of results.
• Integration with specialist pulmonary care

Patients are supported throughout the testing process and beyond.

Pulmonary Function Testing, and in particular, spirometry, is significant for understanding lung health. It provides useful information about the functioning of the lungs and helps determine the need for timely medical intervention.

Spirometry at Gleneagles Hospitals is administered with patient comfort and safety as a priority. Patients with breathing issues should also consult with their doctor and consider testing.