If you have a question that you do not see listed in this section, please visit the Spirometry Support area of this web site, where you can submit your own question and receive an answer.
Frequently Asked Questions and Tips
General
How does a spirometer help in diagnosing asthma?
In establishing a diagnosis of asthma it is important to determine that airflow obstruction is present and that it is at least partially reversible using a bronchodilator. "Airflow obstruction is indicated by reduced FEV1 and FEV1% values relative to reference or predicted values. Significant reversibility is indicated by an increase of >=12 percent in FEV1 after inhaling a short acting bronchodilator" See NIH Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma-Expert Panel II, "Pulmonary Function Testing (Spirometry)", page 7.
Can a peak flow meter be used to diagnose asthma?
NO. Spirometers are used to diagnose asthma. Peak flow meters are used by patients to monitor themselves once asthma has been diagnosed. See the NIH Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma - Expert Panel II, "Importance of Spirometry in Asthma Diagnosis", page 9. Also see page 13... "It must be stressed that peak flow meters are designed as tools for ongoing monitoring, not diagnosis".
When should a patient be referred to a specialist?
See NIH Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma-Expert Panel II, "General Guidelines for referral to an asthma specialist", page 10.
Which patients should be given a spirometry test?
Where asthma is a consideration, patients who answer "Yes" to any of the "Sample Questions for the Diagnosis and initial assessment of Asthma, NIH Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma-Expert Panel II", page 8. Other indications which may suggest the need for a spirometry test include; smokers over the age of 40, shortness of breath, shortness of breath during exercise, chronic cough, frequent colds, allergic rhinitis, possible asthma, possible bronchitis, wheezing or exposure to environmental air pollution, and any subjects utilizing more than 2 canisters of Albuterol per year.
If you have a question that you do not see listed in this section, please visit the Spirometry Support area of this web site, where you can submit your own question and receive an answer.
