Respiratory Function Tests (Spirometry) in Employment Examinations

Respiratory Function Test (Spirometry)

Respiratory function tests are basically based on numerically evaluating how much you breathe and how much of this breath you can take out within a certain period of time. These tests are extremely important in diagnosing many diseases and in obtaining information about the lung functions of employees during their employment examination.

Respiratory function tests (PFT) are the first examination that should be performed in patients with respiratory complaints and to obtain general information about the lungs. PFT plays a role in differential diagnosis, monitoring the course of the disease, and evaluating treatment results by detecting the current dysfunction and its degree, and by illuminating the physiopathological mechanisms responsible for the dysfunction.

Any disease affecting the respiratory system disrupts one or more of these functions, causing symptoms and signs of the disease. PFTs include tests on the ventilation function of the lung and chest wall, tests on gas exchange and respiratory control. It is divided into three as tests. In clinical practice, tests related to ventilation and gas exchange are most commonly used.

The most common use of pulmonary function testing is to detect asthma and COAF diseases during employment examinations. Additionally, some workplaces may request a respiratory function test as a health report. As a result of these measurements, the stenosis of the person's large and small airways, their functions, volumes, and the speed of the air discharged are determined and the diagnosis of the disease, its size, the appropriate treatment method and the treatment applied are determined. Information about follow-up is obtained.

When are Respiratory Function Tests performed?

• In Employment Examinations,
• When you go for your first examination with suspicion of asthma,
• When you go to your doctor for a check-up after starting asthma treatment,
• In evaluating the response to treatment when asthma treatment is changed,
• People who experience shortness of breath but need to know whether it is caused by the heart or lungs,
• For those who complain of long-term cough,
• People whose cough caused by smoking causes wheezing and respiratory complaints,
• Those exposed to respiratory-related occupational diseases (miners, detergent, battery factory, etc.)
• Differentiating pulmonary shortness of breath from cardiac-related shortness of breath,
• This test should be performed on people whose asthma and COPD diseases need to be determined.
• Evaluation of incapacity,
• Epidemiological research conducted for public health (such as smoking, air pollution)

Who Should Have Respiratory Function Testing?

• Those who have complaints of shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and expectoration,
• Those with abnormal findings on chest radiography,
• For those who have been smoking for a long time, whether they have a complaint or not,
• Those who will undergo surgery under general anesthesia
• Those who will undergo lung or heart surgery,
• For our patients whose disease in another organ of their body is thought to affect the lungs, with the recommendation of their doctor,
• Those who work in jobs that affect the lungs (miners, detergent, battery factory workers, bird feeders, .. etc.),
• For athletes,
• Respiratory, anti-inflammatory and protective medicine for lung disease. given to those whose effects are wanted to be investigated.

Preparation and Things to Do Before Respiratory Function Tests?

Before spirometry is performed, the person should not smoke for at least 24 hours, should not drink alcohol for four hours, should not use short-acting bronchodilator (breathing) medications for two hours, long-acting bronchodilator drugs for two hours. The medication should be stopped 12 hours in advance. Open for at least two hours; The patient should stay awake and avoid exercise for 30 minutes before the test. The patient's age and name should be taken correctly. The patient's weight and height should never be asked, they should be measured. Height is especially important becauseü People who are taller have higher lung volumes. In patients who cannot stand upright or have kyphoscoliosis, height can be calculated by measuring with the arms extended and dividing by the value 1.06. The patient must remain in a sitting position throughout the entire test. 

• Age, height and body weight are determined.
• The type, dosage and expiration time of the medications used by the patient, if any, should be known
• No smoking and no alcohol (at least 24 hours and until 4 hours before, respectively)
• Do not do heavy exercise (<30 minutes)
• Do not wear clothing that restricts your chest and abdominal movements.
• Openç Don't be, but don't overeat either
• Do not use short-acting ß2 agonists (<6 hours) Sit and rest before the test.

The maneuvers to be performed during the test will be explained to you. You can ask again about the issues you do not understand.

How Are Respiratory Function Tests Done?

• The nose is closed
• Oral disposable should be used.
• He breathes normally before.
• Then he takes a deep and strong breath.
• Command nothing. He breathes out quickly and forcefully without being expected.
• Thus, he continues to exhale with force for at least 6 seconds.
• After exhaling, he takes another deep breath and the test is terminated.
• Three in a row The best test is chosen.

What is measured in the Pulmonary Function Tests Laboratory?

Respiratory function test is one of the tests that helps determine the way the lung works and any problems experienced, if any. Lung health can be determined by detecting breathing level in this test.

In the respiratory function tests laboratory; The volume of air entering and exiting the lungs. Its (volume) is measured at rest, during forced breathing and during exercise, and the values ​​obtained from the person tested are compared with the values ​​obtained from people of the same age, gender and height.

What is the Respiratory Function Test Result? Should it be?

If there is no doubt that the test is performed correctly, the normal value in a healthy individual as a result of the test is 70% – It varies between 80%. However, this rate may vary depending on age. Additionally, if the test is performed for COPD, it is evaluated as being below 70 percent.

How to Detect Asthma in Respiratory Function Test?

If there is a decrease of 20% or more in the measurements or shortness of breath; If wheezing or cough develops, the test result is "positive". is accepted and the presence of asthma is confirmed. However, if there is no 20% decrease in high concentrations, asthma can be excluded.

Tests can range from simple spirometers performed with handheld or electronic devices to complex tests that can only be performed in specialized laboratories. Which aspect of respiratory functions? They are categorized according to their measurements. Airway function (volume of inspired air, flow rate, resistance, compliance), lung volumes (total lung capacity, functional residual capacity, alveolar ventilation), gas diffusion capacity, blood gas measurements, cardiopulmonary Exercise tests and metabolic measurements are the tests used. Results are usually interpreted by comparing them with expected values ​​for race, age, gender, height, and weight.