10/03/2023
Spirometry
Spirometry is one of the Pulmonary Function Test; they are useful investigations in the management of patients with respiratory disease or respiratory weakness secondary to neurological impairment. They aid diagnosis, help monitor response to treatment and can guide decisions regarding further treatment and intervention[1]. Spirometry can measure all the lung Volumes except residual volume.
Indications
Investigation of patients with symptoms/signs/investigations that suggest pulmonary disease (e.g. cough, wheeze, breathlessness, crackles or abnormal chest x-ray)
Monitoring patients with known pulmonary disease for progression and response to treatment (e.g. interstitial fibrosis, COPD, asthma or pulmonary vascular disease)
Investigation of patients with diseases that may have a respiratory complications (e.g. connective tissue disorders or neuromuscular diseases)
Preoperative evaluation prior to lung resection, abdominal surgery or cardiothoracic surgery.
Evaluating patients at risk of lung diseases (e.g. exposure to pulmonary toxins such a radiation, medication, or environmental or occupational exposure)
Surveillance following lung transplantation to assess for acute rejection, infection or obliterative bronchiolitis
Contraindications
Aneurysm
Haemoptysis of unknown origin
Pneumothorax
Unstable cardiovascular status, recent myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolism
Acute disorders affecting test performance, such as nausea or vomiting
Recent thoracic or abdominal surgical procedures
Eye surgery
Pleural Effusion
Post-MI.
