Have you ever felt short of breath during even the slightest activity, a persistent cough, or a tight feeling in your chest? To objectively assess the condition and capacity of your respiratory system, pulmonary medicine relies on a primary diagnostic test called spirometry .
Spirometry is a safe, fast, and non-invasive gold standard examination method for measuring how well your lungs function in flowing air.
What is a Spirometry Test?
Figure 1 Use of Spirometry Equipment
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Figure 2 Spirometry Device
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Spirometry is a medical test that measures the volume of air a person can inhale and exhale, as well as how quickly that air can be expelled from the lungs. The instrument used is called a spirometer , which is connected to a small tube through which the patient exhales.
The results of this test will be recorded in the form of graphs and numbers that describe the vital capacity of the lungs and the level of smoothness of air flow in the respiratory tract.
When Do You Need a Spirometry Test?
Pulmonary specialists usually recommend spirometry tests for the following clinical purposes:
- Diagnosing Lung Disease: Helps detect chronic respiratory diseases early, such as:
- Asthma (narrowing of the airways due to hypersensitivity reactions).
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) due to exposure to cigarettes or pollution.
- Pulmonary Fibrosis (stiffness or thickening of lung tissue).
- Chronic Bronchitis .
- Evaluating Respiratory Symptoms: Knowing the exact cause of complaints of shortness of breath, wheezing ( wheezing sound ), or prolonged coughing.
- Monitoring Treatment Progress: Seeing whether the lung medications the patient is taking are working effectively.
- Occupational Health Examination ( Medical Check-Up ): Assesses the respiratory health of workers who are frequently exposed to dust, chemicals, or irritants in the work environment.
- Pre-Surgical Evaluation: Ensuring safe lung function before the patient undergoes a major surgical procedure.
How is the Spirometry Procedure Performed?
This exam is very simple, painless, and generally takes 15–30 minutes . The steps include:
- Preparation: You will be asked to sit up straight and relaxed. A soft nose clip will be placed to allow air to flow in and out only through your mouth.
- Mouthpiece Insertion : You will be asked to bite tightly on a sterile suction device ( mouthpiece ) connected to the spirometer machine.
- Breathing Process:
- The doctor or technician will guide you to take deep breaths.
- Then, you are asked to exhale as hard and as fast as possible into the device until your lungs feel completely empty (usually for at least 6 seconds). - Repeatability: This procedure is generally repeated at least 3 times to ensure consistent and accurate graph results.
- Bronchodilator Test (Optional): If there is evidence of airway narrowing, your doctor may prescribe a bronchodilator spray and repeat the test 15 minutes later to assess your lung response.
Understanding Spirometry Result Parameters
Spirometry is a test to determine how well the lungs inhale and exhale air. The two main numbers often measured are FVC and FEV1.
- FVC (Forced Vital Capacity)
Shows the maximum amount of air that can be expelled after taking the deepest possible breath.
- FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second)
Indicates the amount of air that can be expelled in the first second when exhaling as hard as possible.
The doctor will examine FVC, FEV1, and the ratio of FEV1 to FVC to assess lung function. The results can indicate whether lung function is within normal limits, whether there is airflow obstruction, such as in asthma or COPD, or whether there is limited lung expansion.
Spirometry results need to be evaluated by a doctor and cannot be concluded from a single number. The doctor will adjust them based on age, health conditions, symptoms, and other test results.
Things to Prepare Before the Test
To ensure accurate test results, please pay attention to the following instructions before undergoing spirometry:
- Avoid smoking or vaping for at least 24 hours before the test.
- Avoid consuming alcohol and eating too much before the examination.
- Wear loose clothing around the chest and stomach area to avoid holding your breath.
- Consult your doctor regarding the use of asthma/lung sprays, as some medications may need to be temporarily stopped before the test.
Evaluate Your Respiratory Health at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital
Early detection is the best way to prevent permanent respiratory damage. If you're a smoker, frequently exposed to air pollution, or experience shortness of breath that interferes with your daily activities, it's time to have regular lung function evaluations.
The Lung Clinic at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital provides precision Spirometry examination facilities , supported by an integrated diagnostic laboratory and collaboration with a team of experienced Pulmonary and Respiratory Specialists (Sp.P) to help you maintain optimal lung health.
This article was reviewed by Dr. Salva Badjarad, Sp.P (Pulmonary & Respiratory Specialist at EMC Hospital, Tangerang).