Spirometry is a medical test that is used to measure the airflow and lung function in a person. It is often used to diagnose and monitor lung conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and interstitial lung disease.
During a spirometry test, a person will be asked to blow into a device called a spirometer, which measures the volume and flow of air as it is exhaled. The person will be asked to take a deep breath in and then exhale as hard and as fast as possible into the spirometer. The test measures several different parameters, including the forced expiratory volume (FEV1), which is the volume of air exhaled in the first second of the test, and the forced vital capacity (FVC), which is the total volume of air exhaled during the test.
Spirometry is a simple and noninvasive test that can provide valuable information about a person’s lung function. It is often used to diagnose lung conditions, monitor the effectiveness of treatment, and assess the progress of a person’s condition over time.
