Contents:
Medical Video: Spirometry | Test for Lung Function | Nucleus Health
Definition
What is lung function (test at home)?
Lung function tests at home usually use a peak flow meter or home spirometer to monitor and assess any respiratory problems that you might experience in everyday life. The peak flow meter allows you to measure peak expiratory flow. The home spirometer measures expiratory volume which is forced at 1 second (FEV1).
If you have lung disease such as asthma, your doctor may test peak inspiratory flow (PIF) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) to measure the amount of air you breathe and exhale. This is part of a more complete lung function test.
When do I have to undergo pulmonary function (test at home)?
Testing PEF or FEV1 at 1 second can help to:
- measure the work of the lungs if you have chronic lung disease such as asthma
- provide medication guidance and monitor the effectiveness of asthma treatment. Supervision of peak expiratory flow provides information to help people with asthma make better treatment decisions
- monitor lung function if you are always exposed to certain substances at work which can damage the lungs (occupational asthma)
- keep an eye on the initial signs of rejection if you have had a lung transplant
Prevention & warning
What should I know before undergoing pulmonary function (test at home)?
The lowest PEF is at the beginning of the morning and the highest during the day. If you measure PEF only once a day, do it first in the morning before using any bronchodilator medication. People with mild or ongoing asthma may not need to have PEF checked every day. However, if the symptoms get worse, check the peak expiratory flow as often as possible for a certain period of time that might help control asthma.
Process
What should I do before undergoing pulmonary function (test at home)?
To conduct a PEF test, you need a peak flow meter. Peak flow meters are inexpensive handheld devices where you have to breathe as hard and fast as possible. Read and follow the instructions given along with the peak flow meter. Ask your doctor to show you how to use this tool before you use it inside the house. If you want to ask about how to use a peak flow meter or how to read the results, talk to your doctor.
Avoid eating heavy food for about 3 hours before taking the PEF test. Make sure to sit straight or stand up to help you breathe as much as you can. Use the same position every time you do a PEF test. Control of peak flow depends on your hard work. For accurate results, make sure to try your best every time.
What is the process of pulmonary function (test at home)?
Before you start the PEF test, clean your mouth from gum or food. Follow these steps to use a peak flow meter:
- set the pointer on the peak flow meter to 0
- attach a mouthpiece to the peak flow meter
- stand or sit straight so you can breathe deeply. Whether you stand or sit straight, make sure you use the same position every time you test PEF
- take a deep breath. Place the meter of the peak flow in the mouth and close your mouth tightly around the outside of the mouthpiece. Do not put the tongue in an oral protective device
- exhale as hard and as fast as possible as if you are angry. You don't need to exhale for more than 1 second
- record the value on the measuring device
- rearrange the pointer on the measuring device before you blow it again
- blowing in meters twice as much peak flow. Record the value every time you blow. If you cough or make a mistake during the test, repeat the test again
- after you have blown the peak flow meter 3 times, record the highest score in the diary
What should I do after undergoing pulmonary function (test at home)?
Check with your doctor or read the information provided along with the peak flow meter to find a normal range, which will vary depending on the type of your breathing problem. If you find abnormal results from any test, discuss with your doctor.
Explanation of Test Results
What do the test results mean?
PEF measures how fast you breathe as hard as possible. The home spirometer measures expiratory volume which is forced at 1 second (FEV1). The results of this test can be compared to monitor disease progression or help measure the response to medical care for chronic lung diseases such as asthma.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
