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What are the standards for spirometry? When is my spirometry result alarming? What is the result of the disease? What should she worry about spirometry? Could an abnormal test result be a beginning of asthma or lung problems? The question is answered by the drug. Anna Mitschke.
What are the standards for spirometry?
Hello, a few days ago I was doing spirometry and I’m a bit worried about its results, and I have an appointment with my doctor in a few days. Therefore, I would like to know what they are in advance normal spirometry and when should the result be alarming? What norms of spirometry indicate the disease? I am 61 years old and have been for some time problems with shortness of breath. The doctor ruled out any heart-related causes and was recommended for spirometry. I am a rather thin person, and I have never had any major health problems, and I started having shortness of breath a few months ago. I also don’t smoke cigarettes, and I know it can affect spirometry result.
However, I am concerned that this may be the beginning of some lung problems or asthma as my mother and sister have had such ailments for a long time. I would be grateful for information about the standards of spirometry at my age and the results from which I should worry more about my health. Thank you in advance for your help and for clarifying my doubts.
The doctor explains what the standards for spirometry are and what should be worrying
Spirometric test allows the assessment of lung function. During the examination, the patient has a pinched nose and breathes through the mouthpiece of the spirometer head. We distinguish basic spirometry and spirometry after inhalation of a bronchodilator (after the so-called diastolic test). The test can be performed for many indications. First of all, spirometry is performed in people with symptoms of respiratory disease, but also in people exposed to risk factors for these diseases, such as smoking or exposure to harmful substances in the workplace.
The test allows for the diagnosis of the disease, assessment of the degree of impairment of the respiratory function, monitoring of the course of the disease and assessment of the effectiveness of treatment. When interpreting the result of spirometry, the most important are the values of FVC – forced vital capacity, FEV1 – forced expiratory volume in one second, FEV1 / FVC – the so-called Tiffaneau indicator. Obstruction (limitation of airflow through the airways) is diagnosed on the basis of a decrease in the Tiffaneau index below the lower limit of normal in the reference population. The value corresponding to the 5th percentile is taken as the lower limit of the normal. The severity of ventilation disorders is assessed on the basis of the FEV1 value – the forced expiratory volume in one second. In the case of VC – vital capacity, FVC – forced vital capacity below the lower limit of normal, in the absence of signs of obstruction, it may indicate a volume restriction.
We use spirometry after inhalation of a bronchodilator to assess the reversibility of obstruction. A positive test is considered positive if the FEV1 or FVC increases by> 200ml and by> = 12% of the predicted value.
Nevertheless, I recommend that you refrain from interpreting such a specialized test as spirometry on your own and consult the result with your doctor. Each examination should be considered individually along with the overall clinical picture presented by the patient. Additional information from the interview, examination of the patient, and familiarization with his burdens are important.
— Lek. Anna Mitchke
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