Spirometry and Response to Bronchodilator Studies

Abstract

Spirometry is a valuable tool for diagnosing asthma, establishing the severity, and assessing the control of asthma over time in those patients who can perform the procedure. Response to bronchodilator also helps in diagnosing the disease and assessing control. Guidelines and standards are available to help perform and interpret spirometry and response to bronchodilator tests. These guidelines come from the American Thoracic Society, the European Respiratory Society, the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program—Expert Panel Report-3, and the American Association for Respiratory Care Clinical Practice Guidelines. The objective measurements, especially in the forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), and the FEV1/FVC, enable proper management and provide continuing assessment to check the effectiveness of therapy and to follow the disease over time.