Rebecca Gil
Wednesday, 11/15/2023 – 13:38
spirometry This is a medical test used to helps in diagnosis and monitoring lung diseases such as:
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Chronic bronchitis
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emphysema
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Pulmonary fibrosis.
Through this exam The patient’s exhaled and exhaled air is measured.thus giving an idea of the status of lung.
It should be clear that spirometry does not determine what kind of pathology causes our lungs to not work at their maximum, but it can. shows that there is a change in lung function.
How is spirometry done?
The test is very simple. Sit properly, the patient expel all the air it can with maximum force through a mouthpiece connected to a device called spirometer.
Thus measures the amount of air that goes in and out of the lungs, and how fast it can go.
The advantages of this test are many, because it is very simple:
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Es outpatientthat is, it does not require hospital admission
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It won’t hurt
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Does not require any kind of preparation
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You just need to wear comfortable clothes that allow you to breathe properly.
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Lasts a few 10 minutes.
It is also not necessary to take any medicine before doing it, although we must inform the doctor if taking treatment.
And one more point in its favor: Spirometry is not contraindicated during pregnancy or lactation.
Specialists emphasize the importance of this test
Despite its simplicity, spirometry This is a very useful diagnostic tool.
It is promoted by the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR), which insists on importance of having a spirometer in all health centers in Spain and, if you already have it, use it as part of the protocol in the routine review of patients.
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Despite its simplicity, the Spirometry is a reliable study and with the ability to identify diseases with a high incidence in the early stages such as Chronic Obstructive Disease (COPD), which is currently undiagnosed in 70% of those affected, or asthma, which usually appears during in adolescence.
As stated in doctor Eusebi Chiner, pulmonologist of SEPAR and is responsible for the patient area of this scientific society.
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“In addition to hospitals, we estimate that more than 60% of health centers in Spain have this device. But even as we are optimistic, we are concerned that almost Only 20% of these centers regularly use this or the method protocolwhich causes some diseases that can be stopped at the beginning to continue to progress and cause irreversible damage to the health of patients.
Therefore, if the use of spirometry is implemented in all primary care centers, the patients and the national health system will benefit since, as commented by Dr. Chinese:
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“Using the protocol of spirometry in quality not only with prevent deterioration of lung function in many patientsA lot of health costs are also saved due to hospital admissions, drug consumption, as well as sick leave.”
