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Spirometry (lung function test)

Spirometry is a test used to measure lung volumes and airway patency during forced breathing (at maximum depth and speed).

What is spirometry?

What is spirometry?

Spirometry is a diagnostic test used to measure lung volume and airway patency during forced breathing (with maximum depth and speed). The examination makes it possible to detect reduced lung function, which occurs in various respiratory diseases. It is an important test in the diagnosis and monitoring of common conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Contraindications

Severe heart disease and cardiac arrhythmias; hemoptysis; recent stroke; recent eye surgery; recent chest or abdominal surgery; immediately after a bronchoscopy.

Relative contraindications

Acute respiratory tract infection; severe cough; pain during deep breathing; recent chest surgery.

Preparation for the examination

  • Short-acting bronchodilators must not be used for 6 hours before the examination.
  • Long-acting bronchodilators must not be used for 12 hours before the examination.
  • It is not recommended to eat or drink coffee for 2 hours before the examination.
  • It is not recommended to smoke for 4 hours before the examination.

Factors affecting spirometry results

  • Age – values decrease with advancing age;
  • Height and weight – all spirometry measurements are related to body size;
  • Body position – lung volumes change with changes in body position;
  • Muscle conditioning;
  • Smoking;
  • Sex – most lung function parameters are lower in women;
  • Respiratory diseases;
  • Circadian rhythm – lung volumes increase in the morning and begin to decrease in the afternoon.

Procedure

Your active participation is essential during the examination. The results depend significantly on cooperation between you and the examiner and on following the given instructions.

During the test, you will sit or stand, your nose will be closed with special clips, and you will be asked to breathe through your mouth, ensuring that your lips are tightly sealed around the mouthpiece. You will then be asked to inhale as deeply as possible. Once your lungs are fully filled with air, you must exhale forcefully and as quickly as possible until completely empty (at least 6 seconds). This breathing maneuver is repeated until at least three similar results are obtained. The measured values are then compared with reference (normal) values for evaluation.

All Terviseuuringud.ee packages include a spirometry examination: Health Check packages and Recreational Athlete packages.

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