Spirometry at hospital but no reversibility?

[Ami40]

I have managed to get a spirometry appointment finally at the hospital! However, I'm rather annoyed at my GP as due to my issues suspected asthma/copd not sure if I have either one or both, I have been taking firstly, the combi inhalers and haven't got on with these due to side effects so since trying Clenil which is just an ICS without a LABA. I needed the reversibility test but they have been told I don't get on with inhalers full stop, so then the reversibility option has not been selected!

Spoken to the hospital and they have assured me that they cover a much more detailed test then usual so it will cover the areas needed, but I'm just wondering if that will actually be enough! Can't help thinking I'm going for this and then will need that later down the line! Has anybody been for the full test and does cover areas like they have said??

They do a more in detail test... then usual, so gathers a lot of different info to check between asthma or copd.

[Bevvy]

Personally I would be glad that 1. Doing any tests at moment and 2 got a hospital appointment for tests.My consultant not seeing anyone at the moment and gp surgery not doing any respiratory tests.

[Ami40 in reply to Bevvy]

Yes, I've been waiting a very long time so I'm glad it's finally here!!

[mylungshateme]

The reversibility part of spirometry does seem to be a little problematic in the sense they don't like to do it.... in my personal experience anyway. Each time I'm told it's because my pf is good and spirometry near perfect so no point in reversibility. It's made me so cross. As my pb is 230 less than it was a few years ago but they don't take that into account. So really my new pb is actually in red zone!! But what do we know.... but yes at least your having a test I've been lucky and had lots this past year as been classed as priority and urgent apparently but I know others still waiting an told all lung function tests on hold.

[Superzob]

There does seem a lot of variation around the country as to what form individual spirometry takes. I tend to get the "full treatment" every 18 months (which includes reversibility to check on the asthma component of my condition), and a simpler peak flow every 9 months.

As my GP says: "asthma is big business", because everyone is different and finding the right inhaler can be problematic. I discovered after 4 different ones that I had an intolerance to the aerosol, so I changed to a dry powder type and that seems fine - other people find the reverse is true. I would certainly go for the spirometry, see if you can persuade the technician to do a reversibility test, and go from there; if there is significant reversibility, I think your doctors will have to take that into consideration in determining your treatment (which, after all, is the purpose of the tests!).

[Poobah]

Our hospital team àre organised so that the asthma nurses run the tests and get patients to complete a questionnaire at every visit. They then collate the results and update the patient notes, leaving them with the consultant who then sees the patient. Sometimes the consultant will return the patient to the nurse for additional tests and see the patient again directly after. It runs well and the nurses spend a good amount of time with the patient and they are definitely knowledgeable and even make suggestions to the consultant. Obviously, the consultant has the final say, but I would say that some patients find it easier talking to the nurses and they're more likely to take time to explain things.

When you attend your appointment definitely ask the person who runs the tests about how things are organised and what the tests indicate etc. It's old hat to them, but you want to know how to get the most out if your appointment.

[Ami40]

Hi All, I've just been for my spirometry and it was different and new to me... took some effort lol, first the reversibility part was not added. Then after I called them and ensured that I needed it apparently the consultant added it on which was great!!! However, once I'd finished the test I was told it was just not needed as this was only done I they couldn'tget the readings and in my case we got all the readings needed, therefore wouldn't be done?? I did about 4 different tests and 3/4 goes on each! She said id done well on the test as in performing them, she couldn't see anything urgent on there either... should I still be worried or?? Is this likely not to be asthma related or copd?? I have to call in a few week's to get the results but I'm just asking to see if any one knows anything?

[Triobolium]

A few years ago my asthma nurse at my surgery did my asthma review which included hand held spriometry test. She told me she was sure I had COPD. I requested that this was checked at the hospital. I do not have much reversibility but there is some so they said I do not have COPD. Interestingly when I first saw a Consultant in my 30s he said I presented as someone with COPD, again tests then confirmed it wasn't. Bronchodilators make very little difference to my lung function test results.