spirometery readings

[darceynjo]

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

[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 in reply to pollyjj]

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]

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]

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.

[Hidden]

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 in reply to Hidden]

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

[Hidden]

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.