Spirometry Frequently Asked Questions

Spirometry Frequently Asked Questions What is spirometry? Spirometry is another name for a breathing test. Spirometry can measure how much and how fast a person can breathe air in and out of their lungs. It can be used to determine potential abnormalities in the lung’s ability to function properly. It is usually carried out in a GP surgery with a clinician specifically trained to perform the test and interpret the results.

How do I perform a spirometry test? You will be asked to perform a series of blows into the spirometer. Some of these blows will be slow, some will be fast. You will be asked to completely empty your lungs so that the spirometer can measure how big your lungs are. The clinician with you will be able to explain and demonstrate the test for you.

Are there any risks with performing spirometry? There are a few risks with performing with performing spirometry and the clinician with you will ask you a series of questions before carrying out the technique to ensure that you are safe to perform the test.

Spirometry will not be carried out if you:  Have a pneumothorax (a punctured lung).  Are coughing up blood.  Have any aneurysms.  Have very high blood pressure.  Have had a recent heart attack, stroke or mini stroke.  Have angina that is not well controlled.  Have had a chest infection within the past six weeks.

Performing the spirometry test can be hard work and may make you feel breathless, wheezy or make you cough. It can sometimes make people feel lightheaded or go red in the face. It can be a difficult procedure if you have stress incontinence and it is recommended that you empty your bladder before testing.

The clinician with you will give you plenty of time to recover between each blow and will make sure you are safe at all times.

You are free to stop the test at any point if you do not wish to continue.

What are the outcomes from spirometry? Your spirometry test results will be reviewed alongside any other clinical tests that may have been performed within your appointment. Your clinician will explain the results of your breathing test to you.

If you have any questions about the test your clinician will be able to discuss these with you.

I consent to take part in spirometry as part of my appointment today.

Name:______Appointment Date:______Signed:______Checklist For Spirometry

Please complete this form before your appointment.

Name:______Appointment Date:______

Yes No Unsure When Have you had a chest infection or felt unwell in the last 4 to 6 weeks? Do you suffer from angina or have you used a GTN spray in the past 3 hours? Have you had any surgery or serious illness in the past 6 weeks (e.g. stroke or pulmonary embolism)? Have you had any minor surgery (e.g. cataracts in the past 6 weeks)? Do you have a perforated ear drum? Have you suffered a collapsed lung in the last 3 months? Have you had a heart attack or stroke in the past 3 months? Do you have any illness that you see a hospital doctor for (e.g. Aneurism, Pneumothorax)? Do you cough up blood?

Do you suffer from untreated Glaucoma? Have you ever fainted when doing a breathing test? Are you pregnant? Have you had a cigarette in the last 12 hours? Have you consumed any alcohol in last 24 hours? Have you had any nausea/vomiting or diarrhoea in the last 24 hours? Do you suffer from any uncontrolled BP? Have you travelled abroad in the last month? Signed:______Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Assessment Test

This questionnaire will help you and your healthcare professional measure the impact of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is having on your wellbeing and daily life. Your answers, and test score, can be used by you and your healthcare professional to help improve the management of your COPD and get the greatest benefit from treatment.

For each item below, place a mark (X) in the circle that best describes you currently. Be sure to only select one response for each question.

Example: I am very happy  I am very sad   I never cough I cough all the time  I have no phlegm (mucus) in  My chest is full of phlegm my chest at all  (mucus) My chest does not feel tight  My chest feels very tight at all  When I walk up the hill or  When I walk up the hill or one f light of stairs I am not one flight of stairs I am very breathless  breathless I am not limited doing any  I am very limited doing any activities at home  activities at home I am confident leaving my  I am not at all confident home despite my lung leaving my home because of condition  my lung condition  I don't sleep soundly because I sleep soundly  of my lung condition  I have lots of energy I have no energy at all  TOTAL SCORE

Name:______Appointment Date:______

The content provided in this leaf let is for information purposes only. It is not designed to diagnose or treat a condition or otherwise provide medical advice. Information contained in this leaflet is also subject to personal interpretation and can become obsolete, thus accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Please consult y our own healthcare provider regarding any medical issues.