Spirometer

[Sal678]

I had a spirometer years ago and was diagnosed with asthma . That device at the time was a horrible experience. It was claustrophobic and I am afraid to have it done again. Is there a way to be tested that isn’t as bad as this was ?

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi Sal, was it where you had to sit a cubicle and breath through a tube, if so then yes it is still the same test. If you have any worries please speak to the respritory nurse or your GP. Please let us know how you get on. Have a lovely weekend and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx 🌻🌻

[CarolMcl]

Hi, yes it's the same test. Totally understand how you're feeling, I'm presently sitting waiting on my test 😔

[Sal678 in reply to CarolMcl]

How did it go ?

[CarolMcl in reply to Sal678]

Hi, thanks for asking. It was actually ok. This time I only had the door closed on the specific test that required it, otherwise the therapist left it open.......unlike the last time when the door was kept closed. After the 6 minute walk and the pulmonary function tests I was told there was a slight decline in the lung function and transfer. Will see the consultant week after next so will be able to discuss it in more detail

[Sal678 in reply to CarolMcl]

Thank you and good luck !

[CarolMcl in reply to Sal678]

Thanks

[Hidden]

It actually depends on the circumstances: it’s only done in the box if you’re having it done at a formal lab in a hospital and they want the complete set of pulmonary function results including gas exchange etc. Day to day spirometry at the GP, in clinic, or on a ward is usually a portable spirometer done sat in a normal room. Even with formal spirometry in the lab, though, they only need you in the box if they want specific tests run. Otherwise it’s a spirometer attached to a computer.

[Troilus]

Now I can’t remember this exactly, but I had a full range of tests done at the hospital but wasn’t in a box, just in a room with the chappie doing the test.For the gas exchange bit of the test he did a test to see what gases were in my breath already - carbon dioxide maybe? Then he asked me to breath normally through the machine which he said was going to contain some gas or other and then at some point, can’t remember when, he took another reading. About as clear as mud as an explanation I know 😁

[CDPO16]

Have you been referred to have this test done again? As Charlie_G said, a spirometry test is usually done at a GP surgery with a hand held device that you blow into and isn't claustrophobic in itself whereas a hospital based lung function test which can involve sitting in a cubicle is claustrophobic for some.

[Alberta56]

I wasn't put in a box when I had a thorough going over in hospital. Perhaps you should explain to the medical people if you need it done again. They may be able to find a way round it.

[MMaud]

I've only done one lung function test. There was no booth, in fact it wasn't even in a building. It was in a carpark, under an awning, and I sat in the driver's seat of my car to do the test.

Really all this is saying is the tests seem to vary quite a lot, depending on where and when it is done (mine was during pandemic times).

At the end of the day, you can only do your best and if you have reservations, please tell the person doing the test with you. They will want you to be as comfortable as possible.

[Bingo88]

Hello Sal678. I have on ever had my Spirometry tests done at the GP surgery by a nurse in the room with me through a blow tube. And I have had my inhaler altered to cover for Asthma and I am on Trelegy now. Hope you can speak to your GP surgery and get a check done there. Good luck Brian

[Pipswhips]

Depends if hospital or gp surgery if hospital the use a big machine and you nearly pass out on that one.If gp the have a portable on which the plu into computer you do 3 short breath and 3 long long ones which isn't as bad as the hospital one.

Last one I had was quite a few years ago before covid.

But I dont think they have started them.bsckup yet.

They didn't do one on my friend they just gave her an inhaler told her to do peak flow before her inhaler.and after for someone weeks.

Then they decide from your readings if you have asthma or not..

Hope this is some use to you.

[Karenanne61]

I usually have the one in the glass box. I find it can can depend on the nurse. I really don't like it but had a lovely nurse last time which made it less of an ordeal. I try to look on it as nasty medicine and say to my self "this too will pass". It also helps if my husband is just outside.

[Keem59]

I didn't have to sit in a cubicle.. But the second time I did with the door open. Tell the how you feel before the test..