Spirometry

A Diagnostic Test for assessing Respiratory function offered by IDC with 31 parameters that help to differentiate bronchial asthma from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiac arrhythmia and restrictive lung disease. Spirometry may also be used periodically to check whether a treatment for a chronic lung condition is helping you breathe better.
Spirometry is a common office test used to assess how well your lungs work by measuring how much air you inhale, how much you exhale and how quickly you exhale.
Why Spirometry?
Your doctor may suggest a spirometry test if he or she suspects your signs or symptoms may be caused by a chronic lung condition such as:

• Asthma
• COPD
• Chronic bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Pulmonary fibrosis

If you’ve already been diagnosed with a chronic lung disorder, spirometry may be used periodically to check how well your medications are working and whether your breathing problems are under control.
Preparations
Follow your doctor’s instructions about whether you should avoid use of inhaled breathing medications or other medications before the test.
Other preparations include the following:

• Wear loose clothing that won’t interfere with your ability to take a deep breath.
• Avoid eating a large meal before your test, so it will be easier to breathe.

What are Risks?

• Spirometry is generally a safe test. You may feel short of breath or dizzy for a moment after you perform the test.
• Because the test requires some exertion, it isn’t performed if you’ve had a recent heart attack or some other heart conditions.

Rarely, the test triggers severe breathing problems.