Statistics
Spirometry is a painless, non-invasive test that
measures air flow and air volume,
which are indicators of lung health. The test
usually takes just a few minutes to perform, and it screens for
lung disease at its early stages.
Spirometry can be useful for anyone who is a
current or former smoker, who is regularly exposed to secondhand
tobacco smoke or workplace irritants, or who has chronic cough,
persistent mucus, shortness of breath and high blood pressure.
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS
A spirometer measures two important numbers:
forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced
vital capacity (FEV6 or FVC). These numbers are simple
expressions of complex processes, similar to blood pressure
and cholesterol measurements.
HOW IS THE TEST CONDUCTED?
To find your FEV1 and FEV6 (FVC) numbers, you
will be asked to hold the tube of a spirometer in your
mouth, to inhale deeply and to blow into the tube as hard
and as fast as possible for six seconds. It’s important to
ensure you have made a strong seal around the tube because
an inadequate seal can skew test results. As you exhale into
the tube, a computerized sensor in the spirometer calculates
and graphs the results. The results will show how much air
you exhaled in the first second (FEV1) and the total volume
of air you exhaled (FEV6 or FVC). These numbers will
demonstrate whether there is airway obstruction and loss of
lung capacity.
Spirometry requires an individual’s understanding, cooperation
and best efforts to produce accurate results.
Our equipment meets the current ATS
(American Thoracic Society)
Standards for spirometry testing. New filtered mouthpieces are
provided.
INTERPRETING
RESULTS
Lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease, can be judged by comparing an
individual’s readings with normal predicted values. These
values are a function of age, gender, height and race.
Results can be described as mild, moderate or severe,
according to the percentage of normal obtained. I
Many factors can contribute to decreased lung
function, and your doctor may order more tests to pinpoint
the cause. A printout with results will be provided, which
may be shown to your doctor for evaluation.
If problems are identified early, then
lifestyle changes and treatments may help prevent future
damage.
Spirometry results are helpful in identifying
most lung disorders. Although it can be used as a
preliminary screen for lung cancer, it doesn’t rule cancer
in or out.
Individuals with certain types of lung disease
may be at small risk for collapsed lung and will NOT be tested
Testing also isn’t recommended for individuals who have recently
had a heart attack or who have certain kinds of heart diseases.
For most individuals, the test is straightforward, and they only
experience temporary shortness of breath because of forced,
rapid breathing.
Note: Information adapted from the American
Lung Association, National Jewish Medical and Research Center
and the National
