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Spirometry in Broadway

Spirometry

Spirometry Test in Broadway

Spirometry is a type of pulmonary test that involves checking or measuring the amount of air you can breathe in and out of your lungs and the speed at which you can exhale to assess your lung function. Spirometry tests in Broadway are used to help in the diagnosis and monitoring of various respiratory conditions, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis. Specialists might also recommend spirometry procedures for individuals with breathlessness or persistent coughs or those over the age of 35 who smoke. 

The procedure measures three key variables, which include:

Forced vital capacity (FVC): The amount of air the individual can exhale forcibly after taking a deep breath.
Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1): The amount of air the individual can exhale in 1 second.
FEV1/FVC Ratio: The ratio calculates the percentage and compares it with demographic readings that aid in the diagnosis.

The results are plotted on graphs as volumes and capacities and interpreted, which helps specialists craft personalised treatment plans for patients. 

FAQ's

Spirometry test involves using a specialised instrument called a spirometer and is usually done in an office or lab setting. During the procedure, the specialist would place a soft clip on your nose, instruct you to take a deep breath and blow forcefully through the mouthpiece attached to the spirometer. The process must be repeated at least three times to get accurate and reproducible results. You may also be instructed to inhale a medicine, and the same test may be repeated. The tests are compared to determine whether the medication can be used as a treatment for your specific condition.
 

Other than the diagnosis of respiratory conditions, spirometry helps in: 

  • Determining the capacity of the lung
  • Examining the changes in respiratory function caused by a specific pulmonary condition
  • Detecting early changes in lung function and providing a treatment plan
  • Assessing the prognosis and severity of respiratory disease
  • Identifying inhaled medications and therapeutic interventions, such as bronchodilator therapy, that help in treating the condition or symptom
  • Estimating complications that may occur prior to any respiratory surgery
  • Evaluating the exposure to certain toxic substances that affect your lung function
  • Helping in describing the course and progression of disease that affects respiratory function

Other than the diagnosis of respiratory conditions, spirometry helps in: 

  • Determining the capacity of the lung
  • Examining the changes in respiratory function caused by a specific pulmonary condition
  • Detecting early changes in lung function and providing a treatment plan
  • Assessing the prognosis and severity of respiratory disease
  • Identifying inhaled medications and therapeutic interventions, such as bronchodilator therapy, that help in treating the condition or symptom
  • Estimating complications that may occur prior to any respiratory surgery
  • Evaluating the exposure to certain toxic substances that affect your lung function
  • Helping in describing the course and progression of disease that affects respiratory function

You will be thoroughly informed of the procedure beforehand, including the objectives. You will be instructed to abstain from smoking and perform physical exercises several hours prior to the procedure. You will also be advised to stop using bronchodilators. Other instructions include:

  • Wearing light clothing to record your weight and height
  • Avoiding having any large meals for at least 2 hours before the test
  • Refraining from consuming alcohol the day before and caffeinated products four hours before the test
     

The duration of the spirometry test may vary depending on individual factors and circumstances. However, the usual time taken for the test ranges between 15 and 30 minutes, including preparation and explanation of the procedure. 

Complications associated with spirometry tests are uncommon. However, certain risks can influence the accuracy of the results, some of which include:

Hypoxemia
Respiratory alkalosis
Chest pain
Paroxysmal coughing
Fatigue
Fainting or dizziness
Involuntary leakage of urine or urinary incontinence
Increased intracranial pressure
 

The procedure is noninvasive and painless. However, you may feel mild discomfort or lightheadedness during the procedure. You will be given time to recover your breathing during tests. Moreover, it is normal when patients are administered an inhaler before undergoing a spirometry procedure to test the efficacy of the medication. Additionally, the procedure may increase your heart rate. Therefore, let our specialists know if you have had past episodes of heart attacks or other heart-related conditions. Our specialists will take every precaution to minimise any complications or discomfort that may occur during the procedure.
 

There are no specific instructions to follow after undergoing a spirometry procedure. You will be able to go home on the same day of the procedure and resume normal activities. Our specialists may advise on additional medications or instructions. Moreover, you will be scheduled for follow-up appointments to discuss your results and plan further treatment. 
 

Obstructive lung disease is a type of disease that causes damage to the lungs while breathing out air, making it difficult. Common causes include bronchiectasis or COPD. Restrictive lung disease is the inability to fully expand your lungs, and its causes include interstitial lung disease, scoliosis, and interstitial lung disease. Based on the score obtained from the FEV/FVC ratio, specialists determine whether the condition is due to obstructive or restrictive lung disease. 
 

You can book an appointment with a specialist in the Department of Haematology at Manipal Hospitals, Broadway, Kolkata, telephonically, or by visiting our website to make an appointment.

Visit: https://www.manipalhospitals.com/broadway/
Contact no: 033 6907 0001