Preparing for spirometry

[teresa297]

Hi Has anyone been told to stop using their inhalers before their spirometry test? I have never been told and wondered if I should stop to get a better reading.

[soulboy118]

They usually tell you not to have them for 4hrs before the test but if you need your reliever then use it

[teresa297 in reply to soulboy118]

Thanks my surgery dont give me any advice befroe or after so that was very helpful

[soulboy118 in reply to teresa297]

Mine will not do the spectrometry test until I've not had steroids for 8 weeks, good luck with that lol

[Superzob in reply to soulboy118]

Actually, I think it's the reliever which is the issue, because of its short-term effect. Preventers shouldn't be a problem because their effect is so long-term that stopping them for 4hours won't make much difference. On the other hand, Ventolin is normally taken at 4 hour intervals, so will be largely inactive after that period; also, Ventolin is often used during spirometry to test for reversibility, so any Ventolin use within 4hours could corrupt the result.

[teresa297 in reply to Superzob]

Wow that’s great your very knowledgeable

[corriena]

If you use your meds as usual you will get a as you live your life result ie every day normal for you. If you stop your meds the results will be different and not as you are day to day with meds. boath can be usefull but you cannot compare the two (apple's & pairs) so probably best to ask whoever is doing the test witch they would like. If you normally do tests with meds then dont take meds your test results would show a sharp decline but wouldent be accurate.

[teresa297 in reply to corriena]

Ok thanks I will speak to my GP next time I go

[teresa297 in reply to corriena]

Thanks for your advice

[m0bnd]

I’ve not been requested to not take my inhalers before A ‘basic’ spirometry test. However, for a lung function test, yes I have.

[teresa297 in reply to m0bnd]

Ok thanks I’ll look into it

[Hacienda]

The Hospital Appointment Letter tells me exactly what inhalers I cannot use prior to the Spirometry, I dread it as I'm on Oxygen also.12 & 8 hours No Steroid base Inhalers, 4 hours No Ventolin. Please confirm prior with whomever is doing it, Never had one done at GP's. Best wishes. xxx

[teresa297 in reply to Hacienda]

Thanks I only see the nurse at the surgery it’s probably because I’m only stage 2

[teresa297 in reply to Hacienda]

After 5 years I’ve just got them to give me a chest x ray

[Nickcv]

When it comes to my annual spirometry test at my doctor's surgery I am always asked to take two puffs of my rescue inhaler shortly before my appointment.

Towards the end of this month I have an appointment for pulmonary function tests at my local hospital and in this instance I have a letter telling me not to use my inhalers as much as 12 hours beforehand.

[teresa297 in reply to Nickcv]

Ooh thanks that’s interesting I wish my surgery would talk to me but I’ll ask in future

[frose in reply to Nickcv]

I've had that before. I believe it happens when they are looking for reversible versus non reversible damage.

[INK45]

For a spirometry test, I'm always told to stop using my inhalers the night before; in the morning I take the test a first time, then they give me three or four doses of ventolin (salbutamol), wait a few minutes for the bronchodilator to take effect, and then I take the same test again, so they can figure out the difference between natural and medicated states. In my case there is a dramatic improvement the second time, which they say depends on the fact that besides stage 4 COPD, I also have asthma. I thought this was the habitual procedure they used everywhere.

[teresa297 in reply to INK45]

Thanks it’s seems everywhere has different rules

[INK45 in reply to teresa297]

If you can't get them to tell you what to do beforehand, perhaps you could go without using your inhalers and bring them along to the test for use on the spot (if permitted)

[teresa297 in reply to INK45]

will do thanks

[COPD123491]

Good morning

I had the test done earlier this year and I had taken my inhalers beforehand as I had not been given any instructions not to. I told the clinician and she said that was ok. However all practices differ and you may well want to ring your your GP .

Good luck

Kevin

[teresa297 in reply to COPD123491]

Thanks will do

[Whitechinchilla]

My practice ruling is no inhalers for a minimum of 4 hours before the test.

However I guess other practices have their own advice. Therefore I would be inclined to follow it if you want a true result.😊

[Durcot]

I'd make sure your doctor is aware and prepared..