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Who Can Benefit from Spirometry?
The medical world has seen many advancements over the years. While these have provided life-changing diagnostic and treatment options, they have also created some confusion for patients.
For instance, what is spirometry, and who can benefit from it?
The short answer is that the Advanced Allergy & Asthma team uses this test to check lung function at our locations in Ogden, Utah. And it can reveal a surprising amount of information for being such a quick, noninvasive assessment.
In this blog, our team explains how spirometry testing works and who can benefit from this evaluation.
What to expect from spirometry
A spirometry test measures a few things:
- How air flows through your lungs
- The amount of air in your lungs
- The strength of your lungs
- How well you breathe
The process is relatively quick, completely safe, and requires no needles or incisions.
Instead, you breathe into a mouthpiece connected to a computer. This machine, known as a spirometer, measures airflow. The entire process usually takes 15-30 minutes.
First, we place soft clips on your nose. Then, you take a deep breath and blow forcefully through the mouthpiece.
We have you repeat this process several times to ensure we capture accurate results.
Once complete, you can resume regular activity immediately.
Why undergo a spirometry test
Our team uses this assessment to diagnose breathing conditions like asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis.
However, it can also help us evaluate:
- Lung capacity
- Early changes in lung function
- Respiratory changes from chronic lung diseases
- Altered lung function from exposure to certain substances
- Narrowing of the airways
It can also help our team determine the potential risk of respiratory complications before undergoing surgical procedures and monitor the treatment of breathing conditions.
Who can benefit from spirometry testing
A spirometry test offers extensive insight into lung and airway function, making it especially beneficial as a diagnostic tool.
Our team might suggest this type of assessment for symptoms that include:
- Chest pressure, tightness, or pain
- Problems breathing deeply
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Coughing, especially productive coughs with mucus
However, we also recommend regular spirometry testing for people receiving treatment for a breathing condition. When symptoms are well controlled, this typically occurs every 6-12 months.
Spirometry testing often occurs more frequently when individuals change medications or have uncontrolled symptoms.
Could you benefit from spirometry testing? Contact Advanced Allergy & Asthma by phone or online to book a visit at our Ogden, Utah, location nearest you.
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