Spirometry

Spirometry is performed as it helps in determining lung functions including airways diseases as well such as:

• Pulmonary fibrosis 
• Asthma 
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Cystic fibrosis

Spirometry is also useful in:

• Determining the capacity of lungs 
• Measuring changes with time linked to chronic lung disease 
• Identifying changes in the lung functions 
• Detecting airways narrowing 
• Deciding whether inhaled medications can assist with symptoms or not 
• Determining if substances exposure has modified the lung functions 
• Assessing the respiratory risk complications before surgery

The doctor might order a spirometry test if the patient is experiencing lung and airway conditions symptoms. Here are symptoms that might raise the need for a spirometry test:

• Shortness of breath 
• Wheezing 
• Severe cough with mucus 
• Difficulty when taking a deep breath 
• Chest pain or pressure

The healthcare provider will ask the patient to follow some steps such as:

• Not to take breathing medications for some time
• Wearing loose and comfortable clothes, not squeezing the patient’s chest 
• Avoiding large meals at least two hours prior to the test 
• Not to indulge in any heavy lifting exercises

These precautions ensure that the results of the spirometry test are precise.

The healthcare expert initiates the spirometry procedure in a lung-function lab. At first, the expert will involve placing a soft clip on the nose. It assists the patient breathe out only through a tube linked to the spirometer. The spirometer helps in measuring the airflow amount of the lungs and the inhaled amount back into the lungs. The patient is asked to blow hard and fast. The test is repeated three times to make sure that the results are precise. 

The provider might ask the patient for breathing in a medicine that helps in opening the airways. The next step would be exhaling into the tube interlinked with the spirometer. Once it is done, the expert will begin comparing the results before and after inhaling the medicine. Lastly, it is decided whether they can involve using medications in the treatment plan of the patient or not.

BM Birla Heart Research Centre is the only hospital delivering super specialty cardiac care to patients across the eastern region. The hospital has integrated experienced and professional cardiac surgeons, including the best cardiologists and support staff holding expertise in their fields. They are skilled to manage the intricate cardiology and cardiac surgery requirements. Our hospital incorporates a team of multidisciplinary specialists and some of the best heart surgeons in India with international repute to ensure a high success rate. Our hospital is equipped with modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology for wide-ranging diagnosis and personalized care.  So, if you want to book a spirometry test, then consult our health experts now.