COPD Tests

[nat-tat]

Hiya

Please can anyone tell me if the spirometery test is conclusive or do you have to return to see if there is any deterioration in future.?

Thanks.

Nat

[Jessy11]

If you have COPD you should be making regular visits to your respiratory nurse or GP. They perform spirometry tests & check if your meds are suitable. When you go for a check up you'll be told when to return for the next one. Give your surgery a call & ask about seeing the appropriate person. Good luck

[nat-tat in reply to Jessy11]

Thank you. My post wasn't very clear. I have my test next week if my infection has cleared but wasn't sure if I get immediate results. Thanks for reply x

[Hidden]

You get a yearly review

[nat-tat]

This is my first spirometery test so I wasn't sure if I get immediate results?

[Jessy11 in reply to nat-tat]

Where did you have this test done? Anytime I've had a test I get the results immediately by the nurse who does it. You need to ask questions about your condition so you know what's what. Good luck

[nat-tat in reply to Jessy11]

Sorry my post wasn't very clear. I have the test next week if my infection has cleared but wasn't sure if they can tell immediately if you have COPD? Thanks for reply.

[Gary56]

Was it spirometry or lung function you had?

[nat-tat in reply to Gary56]

I have the test next week if my infection has cleared but wasn't sure whether they can tell if you have COPD with that one test? Or if you have to return in future to see if there is any deterioration? Thanks fot reply. Really good site this.

[Jessy11 in reply to nat-tat]

I would expect you to be sent for an X-ray as well as lung function tests to determine whether you have COPD

[nat-tat in reply to Jessy11]

Yes I had one which came back clear. My poor step dad has severe COPD and other problems which is hard to watch. This has made me a lot more panicky I think.

[Jessy11 in reply to nat-tat]

Yes you're probably right! I would wait for your appointment & talk it all through with your doctor. Then you can take it from there. Let us know how you get on, take care x

[nat-tat]

Will do, thanks x

[Hidden]

Hi when you have your spirometry (usually performed by a respiratory trained nurse), you will be told the results straight away. If you don't understand then ask before you leave. You will be told either in decimals or percentages ie my lung function is 78% of the normal for my age, height etc. This is called FEV1.

If you have copd you will get at least one annual review with the nurse, though some surgeries will do two. Mine used to be twice yearly but due to lack of staff its now annual. If you are diagnosed as severe then you should get 2 annual reviews (according to the NICE guidelines) x

[Offcut in reply to Hidden]

I wish my surgery read your reply. I have had one Spirometry at my GP practice in 2012 and have not had another test for my lungs other than O2 finger test at rest and a peak flow which is a waste of time for RLD anyway.

My Nurse down right refused to give me results and I had to wait to see my GP but they would only say there was a problem and sent me off for deeper tests at hospital which confirmed everything I had been saying for 2 years before! Plus found I had PH too!

Be Well

[Hidden]

nat-tat, the technician who does my spirometry test gives me the paperwork results to take to my Respiratory Doctor. I know how to read the sections I need to know about so no need to wait for the doctor to explain...which is good because he's not very good at explanations. My FEV1 is 31% and just 20% of my lungs are functioning. I have a spirometry done every 6 months and also a CT scan as I have nodules on my lungs.

Discuss your future appointments with your doctor. If you have COPD you should see him/her regularly. Good luck.

[nat-tat]

Thank you all. I have decided to go to the doctors before the spirometery to check I amfit enough and to get more information on the results. I will let you know how I get on. Take care.