Spirometry with bronchodilator reversibility test

Spirometry with bronchodilator test – test description 

Spirometry is a test that checks the lung capacity and volume, as well as the airflow in the lungs and bronchi. It is performed at different stages of the breathing cycle, before and after administering a bronchodilator to assess the reversibility of bronchial obstruction. The bronchodilator test is painless, non-invasive, and takes about 60 minutes. It requires a referral from a doctor, specifying the medication and dose. 

When is spirometry with bronchodilator needed? Indications 

Spirometry is necessary in many situations. The bronchodilator test is performed on patients who:

• are suspected of or diagnosed with bronchial asthma, 

• are diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 

• suffer from chronic cough with significant mucus production, 

• have recurring infections, 

• have wheezing breathing. 

Spirometry should not be performed in the following cases: 

• in case of unknown origin hemoptysis, 

• with uncontrolled and high blood pressure, 

• after a heart attack. 

The test is performed on adults. Spirometry can also be performed on children up to 10 years old, but only with certain exceptions. If you are unsure, please consult with a doctor. 

Preparation for spirometry with bronchodilator 

Before the test, it is important to avoid:

• smoking at least 6 hours before the test, 

• eating at least 2 hours before the test, 

• intense physical activity 

You should also bring your inhalers and prescribed medications to the test if they are used regularly or if they may be required during the procedure.

How is spirometry with bronchodilator performed? 

During the test, you will be asked to breathe in and out deeply through a mouthpiece connected to a spirometer, while sitting or standing. A nasal clip will be placed on your nose to ensure that you breathe only through your mouth. You will need to repeat this procedure several times, both before and after receiving the bronchodilator.

After taking the bronchodilator, you will wait for a few minutes before performing additional tests to check for improvement in lung function. If necessary, the test may be repeated. The spirometry results are interpreted by a doctor, who will discuss them with you.

Spirometry is a safe test, with few complications. It may cause slight dizziness or shortness of breath during the procedure, but these symptoms usually resolve quickly after you stop performing the test.

Interpretation of results 

Spirometry measures how much air you can exhale and how fast you can do it. The results are usually presented as the Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) and the Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), which is the total amount of air exhaled during the test. These measurements help assess the presence and degree of airway obstruction and evaluate the reversibility of bronchoconstriction after bronchodilator administration.

The doctor will compare the results to predicted values based on factors like age, gender, height, and ethnicity to determine if they are within a normal range. If lung function is impaired, further tests and assessments may be needed.

Costs of spirometry with bronchodilator 

The cost of a spirometry with bronchodilator test can vary depending on the country and medical center. On average, it ranges from 60 to 150 PLN. For more information on the cost, please consult your healthcare provider or medical center.

How long does the spirometry test take?

About 60 minutes.

What does a spirometry test involve?

It involves checking the lung capacity and volume, as well as assessing the airflow in the lungs and bronchi. It is used to diagnose asthma.

What should be avoided before spirometry?

Several hours before the test, you should avoid eating large meals, drinking coffee, tea, or caffeinated beverages, and smoking cigarettes.

How much does bronchodilator spirometry cost?

Between 130–150 PLN.

What medication is used for the bronchodilator test?

It is a bronchodilating medication.

What does a positive bronchodilator test mean?

It means that after the bronchodilator was administered, the lung volume indicators FEV1 and FVC increased by at least 12% compared to the baseline values. This may indicate asthma.

When is spirometry considered bad?

The bronchodilator test should not be performed in cases of hemoptysis of unknown origin, uncontrolled and high blood pressure, or after a heart attack.

When is the bronchodilator test negative?

When the FEV1 and FVC values did not increase by 12% or more.