Spirometry
- Description of the treatment
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At the Derm-Al Centre, we offer spirometry of lung function.
Spirometry is used in diagnosing and monitoring respiratory system diseases in the case of bronchial asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). During the test, the spirometer computer compares the patient’s parameters to baseline parameters, considering the sex, age, height and weight of the patient. When the result is close to the mean value, it means that the lungs function correctly. Parameters below the base line mean disorders in lung functioning.
The results of spirometry determine:
- forced vital capacity (FVC), i.e. the total amount of exhaled air. It shows the degree to which lung compression and decompression is limited as a result of a pulmonary disease or chest deformation
- the amount of air exhaled in the first second of the FVC test, i.e. FEVı. It shows the degree of obstruction, i.e. blockage of the bronchial airway. Obstruction may be caused by bronchial contraction or swelling of or secretion in the mucuous membrane
- peak expiratory flow (PEF) The same as FEVı, it shows the degree of the bronchial tree obstruction.
How does the test work
The patient’s particulars: age, sex, height and weight are entered in the spirometer. The patient stands up, relaxed, His or her nose is blocked with a clip-on so as not to breathe through the nose. During the spirometry test, the patient breathes through a pipe connected with the spirometer. Before the test starts, the patient must take a few deep breaths. Then, he or she takes a very deep breath, puts the pipe tight in the mouth and breathes out as fast as possible all the air in the lungs to the apparatus. The exhalation should be as strong and as long as possible - up to a few minutes for the test to be correct. The result is printed out for the patient.The patient should not eat or smoke for 4 hours before the test. In some cases, it is also required to not take certain medications before the test (under close supervision of the responsible physician).
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