Spirometry

Original Editor - George Prudden

Top Contributors - George Prudden, Uchechukwu Chukwuemeka, Kim Jackson, Rucha Gadgil, Vidya Acharya, Admin and Chelsea Mclene  

Description

Pulmonary function tests (also lung function test or spirometry) are useful investigations in the management of patients with respiratory disease or respiratory weakness secondary to neurological impairment. They aid diagnosis, help monitor response to treatment and can guide decisions regarding further treatment and intervention.

Indication

• Investigation of patients with symptoms/signs/investigations that suggest pulmonary disease (e.g. cough, wheeze, breathlessness, crackles or abnormal chest x-ray)
• Monitoring patients with known pulmonary disease for progression and response to treatment (e.g. interstitial fibrosis, COPD, asthma or pulmonary vascular disease)
• Investigation of patients with disease that may have a respiratory complications (e.g. connective tissue disorders or neuromuscular diseases)
• Preoperative evaluation prior to (e.g. lung resection, abdominal surgery or cardiothoracic surgery)
• Evaluation patients a risk of lung diseases (e.g. exposure to pulmonary toxins such a radiation, medication, or environmental or occupational exposure)
• Surveillance following lung transplantation to assess for acute rejection, infection or obliterative bronchiolitis

Contraindications

• Aneurysms
• Eye surgery
• Laparotomy
• Inguinal hernia
• Pleural effusion
• Pneumothorax
• Post-MI.

Clinical Presentation

add text here relating to the clinical presentation of the condition, including pre- and post- intervention assessment measures. 

Resources

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