Spirometry: what does it consist of and when is it needed?

  Spirometry is a basic, non-invasive test that plays a key role in the diagnosis and monitoring of respiratory diseases. Completely safe and usually well tolerated by patients, it provides important information about the health of our lungs. In this article, we will discuss what spirometry is and when it is needed.

   What is spirometry?

  Spirometry is a breathing test that measures how much air we can inhale and exhale, as well as how fast we can exhale from our lungs. It is conducted using a device called a spirometer.

  During the test, the patient is usually seated and has a clamp placed on his or her nose. The patient then inhales as deeply as possible and then exhales as quickly and completely as possible into the spirometer tube. The test is usually repeated several times to get the most accurate results.

   When is spirometry needed?

  Spirometry is a key tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of many lung diseases. It is especially important for diseases such as:

   - Asthma: Spirometry helps confirm the diagnosis of asthma by measuring the variability of airflow in the lungs.

   - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Spirometry is fundamental to the diagnosis of COPD, helping to measure the degree of airway obstruction.

   - Other lung diseases: Spirometry can also be used to monitor the course of other lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis or pulmonary fibrosis.

   In addition, spirometry can also be used to screen people exposed to risk factors for lung disease, such as smoking or exposure to harmful substances in the workplace.

   How to interpret spirometry results?

  Spirometry results include several different measures that give a doctor information about lung health. Two of the most important are:

   - Forced vital capacity (FVC, from Forced Vital Capacity): this is the largest amount of air that can be exhaled after maximum inspiration.

   - Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1, from Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second): this is the amount of air that can be exhaled in the first second after maximum inspiration.

  These results are usually presented as a percentage of the values expected for a healthy person of similar age, sex, race and body build. Results below the normal range may indicate lung disease.

  In summary, spirometry is essential in the diagnosis and monitoring of lung disease. It is a safe and effective test that provides key information about the health of our lungs. If you have shortness of breath, chronic cough or other symptoms of lung disease, spirometry can be an important part of your medical evaluation. Remember to always consult your doctor or other professional health care provider with any questions or concerns.