Walking into the pulmonary function test room, you can always hear it
Inhale firmly...... Exhale forcefully......
Doctor, I've tried my best, my lung capacity is not good
Spirometry is an indicator of lung function testing and is not representative of lung function......
So what exactly is a pulmonary function test looking for?
Let's follow along
Physical Examination Center of Minle County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital
Let's learn about pulmonary function tests
As one of the necessary examinations for respiratory diseases, pulmonary function tests are very important in the diagnosis, severity classification, prognosis assessment, and treatment selection of respiratory diseases. The interpretation of lung function is a basic skill necessary for respiratory doctors.
What is a pulmonary function test
Pulmonary function test: It is an examination that uses respiratory physiology knowledge and modern detection technology to understand the functional status of the respiratory system, mainly including respiratory flow test, lung gas exchange test, respiratory dynamics test, exercise cardiopulmonary function test and other contents.
Pulmonary function tests can determine the type, severity and nature of respiratory dysfunction, which is non-invasive, assists in the diagnosis of clinical respiratory diseases, and is an important method to understand the thoracic and pulmonary diseases and respiratory function of the tested person. It is generally used for the following purposes:
• Diagnosis of lung and bronchial diseases. Such as asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, etc.
• Look for the cause of shortness of breath.
• Diagnosis of occupational diseases.
• Evaluate lung function before surgery.
• Evaluate the condition and evaluate the efficacy of drugs.
When do I need pulmonary function tests?
When patients have symptoms such as cough, sputum production, and dyspnea, or people with occupational risk factors and a history of smoking, it is recommended to go to the hospital for pulmonary function testing. In addition, in terms of health checkup, it is recommended that people over 40 years old have a pulmonary function test once a year.
For patients with a definite diagnosis of COPD, they should be treated scientifically under the guidance of a doctor, and pulmonary function assessment should be performed at least once every six months.
During the examination, the examinee first sits up straight, exhales and inhales according to the doctor's command, and the whole process takes about 10 minutes.
What do I need to prepare for a pulmonary function test?
(1) Avoid strenuous exercise 2 hours before the examination, it is recommended to sit quietly for 15 minutes before the examination, and then perform a pulmonary function test after the breathing is stable.
(2) If the patient has dyspnea before the examination, the medical staff should be informed in time, and the patient cannot undergo bronchial provocation test at this time.
(3) Before the examination, you can practice blowing by pinching your nose and then practicing blowing candles, or by holding a piece of paper in front of you. Many patients who undergo pulmonary function tests for the first time spend a lot of time because they do not inflate properly, and frequent air leaks during the test, so it is necessary for patients to practice beforehand to reduce the time of the test and avoid affecting the test results.
What should I look for in a pulmonary function test?
Some patients may have symptoms such as palpitation, chest tightness, cough, numbness in the hands, and dry throat, which may be related to repeated straining of the patient's breathing, but most patients can be relieved by resting for a while or drinking appropriate water. If symptoms persist, the patient should inform the doctor promptly.
(1) During the examination, the patient should exhale and inhale according to the doctor's instructions, and when the doctor asks him to exhale or inhale forcefully, he should do his best to exhale or inhale at the beginning without any reservations.
(2) Do not breathe through your nose during the examination, so as not to affect the results of the examination or take too long.
What are the conditions that prevent pulmonary function tests?
1) Patients with pneumothorax and within 1 month after pneumothorax healing, severe bullae, respiratory failure and tracheostomy.
2) Patients with severe cardiac insufficiency, thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, as well as patients with recent myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolism.
3) Patients with infectious diseases such as open tuberculosis and active chronic hepatitis.
4) Those who are unable to cooperate with the examination due to cerebrovascular accident, cerebral palsy, consciousness disorder and other factors.
5) Patients with a history of hemoptysis within 2 weeks.
6) People with high fever, severe cough, and extreme weakness.
7) Those who have had lung biopsy or lung endoscopy on the day of pulmonary function test.
Can all people have pulmonary function tests?
A: No!! although pulmonary function tests are non-invasive diagnostic methods, they are not suitable for all patients due to the special nature of the tests.
Absolute contraindications:
1. Patients with myocardial infarction and shock in the past 3 months
2. Severe cardiac insufficiency and unstable angina pectoris in the past 4 weeks
3. Patients with hemoptysis in the past 4 weeks
4. Those who have seizures that require medication
5. Uncontrolled hypertension
6. Patients with aortic aneurysm
7. Patients with severe hyperthyroidism
Relative contraindications:
1. Heart rate> 120 beats per minute
2. Pneumothorax, giant alveoli
3. Pregnant women
4. Patients with tympanic membrane perforation
5. Respiratory tract infection in the past 4 weeks
6. Weakened immunity
7. Others: Respiratory infectious diseases (tuberculosis, influenza, etc.)
In addition, pregnant and lactating women should be cautious about pulmonary function tests with forced expiration. People with a perforated eardrum need to block the ear canal on the affected side, etc.
What are the risks in the inspection
A: Lung function is a relatively safe test, and you may experience shortness of breath or dizziness for a short period of time due to the need to breathe hard multiple times. Nose clips can also make you feel uncomfortable. A small number of patients may induce worsening dyspnea, and a small number of patients with bullae may induce pneumothorax.
If you feel unwell at the time of the exam, please inform your doctor in advance.
At present, pulmonary function tests have been widely used and can be tested in many hospitals, but patients' awareness of pulmonary function tests is still weak, and we can regularly review lung function according to doctors' instructions, especially for patients with COPD or asthma, regular testing can also reflect the degree of disease control, so as to evaluate the long-term treatment of patients.
Take care of your lungs and those of your family sooner and in a more timely manner.