Spirometry, meaning the measuring of breath, is the most common of the pulmonary function tests. It measures lung function, specifically the volume and speed of air that can be inhaled and exhaled, and it is helpful in assessing breathing patterns that identify conditions such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as in health surveillance programs that track breathing patterns over time. The test generates volume-time curves and flow-volume loops that chart the volume and flow of air moving in and out of the lungs across one inhalation and one exhalation.
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FAQs
How do people prepare for a spirometry test?
The NHS says people may be asked not to smoke for 24 hours before the test, not to eat a large meal for at least 2 hours before the test, not to drink alcohol for at least 4 hours before the test and to wear loose clothing for the test. It adds that people will be told if they need to stop taking any medicines or using inhalers before their spirometry test.
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1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
Spirometry (Wikipedia)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirometry, lead section
Spirometry (meaning the measuring of breath) is the most common of the pulmonary function tests (PFTs).
In Group: Diagnostic Sampling and Function Tests, Introduction
Spirometry (meaning the measuring of breath) is the most common of the pulmonary function tests (PFTs).
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