spirometery readings: I have just had... - Lung Conditions C...

Lung Conditions Community Forum

56,331 members66,949 posts

spirometery readings

darceynjo profile image
7 Replies

I have just had my spirometery tests done and the 1st one showed that my COPD was severe, the nurse was shocked by these so asked me if I would do them again, so I did and guess what this time they came back normal, I dont understand this can anybody help how can 2 reading differ in the space of about 20 mins. Thanks Julia

Written by
darceynjo profile image
darceynjo
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
7 Replies
pollyjj profile image
pollyjj

I don't know the answer but when I have my spirometery done I have to do it three times, perhaps they take and average.

*polly

darceynjo profile image
darceynjo in reply topollyjj

Hi Polly I dont think I put it quite right I did them three times each time and the first three were so different from the second three. I have always said I am weird lol x

elian profile image
elian

A lot depends on whether you are anxious about doing the test and whether you are calm and rested or agitated and tired. These things can have a dramatic effect on the result(s) of a spirometry.

I do a regular peak flow reading each morning and evening and, all depending on what I've been doing during the day, the readings can differ wildly from 180 to 300 :)

Don't worry too much about it polly, you're not weird at all !!!! lol

Gordon57 profile image
Gordon57

They've had me like that too. I arrive for my appointment, they take the test and it's terrible - I'm usually still SOB from walking in. They then get me to sit and wait for 20 minutes, do them again and they are as 'normal' as normal gets.

I've tried arguing that the first tests are probably most accurate, as I'm struggling to breathe, but they say they need to check my 'normal' levels as that's the reading they need to record.

I started arriving 25 minutes early instead, saves all the hassle.

I keep having to cancel spiro because you're not supposed to be on anti-biotics for so many weeks before a test, and I seem to have the medication every 4-5 weeks, this isn't a current situation as they cannot test me at the GP's because of that.

I have had 2 spiro tests..Both times i did it 3 times..And as Polly said they did the average score..Should really be a more understanding way of doing this for patients really..

darceynjo profile image
darceynjo in reply to

Hi thankyou to everybody for your comments, the nurse made me feel as if I was kidding, but even he couldnt understand why they differed so much, I really dont know what to do. He told me to carry on taking all my meds and go to the PR it may help, help what? I keep thinking why should I bother

Sorry for moaning but I feel so pissed of at the moment.

Best Wishes to all and thanks again Julia x

Not a doctor but as i understand things if you return to near normal that tells the nurse you have asthma part in your copd if it was only copd it would not return as much as the test is showing it is important to know this for your nurse as the treatment will be a little different because of the asthma. Probably not clear but not a doctor try getting a qualified answer to this question from this start place.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Spirometery

Hi their, I have just had a spirometery test and my nurse has put that I am 51 cm tall and 161 kg...
Gg4l profile image

Had my spirometery

Well had it done today and now have to go for a ct scan as it was a bad result she said I was more...
cales profile image

Caffeine and spirometery tests

Hi everyone. Ive just been reading about the effects caffeine apparently can have on spirometry...
robdonn profile image

Spirometry readings

Hi Just a quick update and info from you please would be appreciated After Spirometry test Nurse...
chrissie789 profile image

Well went for my spirometery

When I got there they couldn’t do it as I had taken my inhalers this morning 😳 I did t know I...
cales profile image

Moderation team

See all
AsthmaandLung profile image
AsthmaandLungAdministrator
moderator_AandLUK profile image
moderator_AandLUKAdministrator
Claire_ALUK profile image
Claire_ALUKAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.