Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are diseases that can be diagnosed with a
spirometry test. Used to measure the speed and amount of air breathed out, Dr.
Alan Kaplan of the Ontario Lung Association says, “it tells us how much
blockage or obstruction is in the lungs.”
“Spirometry should be done on people that have an indication
for it,” says Kaplan. This may include: cough with or without phlegm, shortness
of breath or having difficulty carrying out simple tasks. Another indication
could include contact with a substance in the workplace that may lead to
breathing problems.
People who are over 40
years of age and who smoke or used to smoke and have symptoms of lung disease should
all have a spirometry test according to the Ontario Lung Association
spokesperson, explaining that the test can help diagnose COPD earlier.
Making a diagnosis of COPD early is important because Kaplan
says you can start making the necessary changes in your life. First and
foremost, this includes stopping smoking, which damages the lungs. “The damage in
the lungs will not be repaired,” Kaplan admits, nor will it go away. “However,
catching it early, preventing the damage from being too wide spread, too
significant, can be the difference between having a problem that is minimal to
having a problem that may require oxygen 24 hours a day,” and unfortunately a
person’s early death.
In addition to quitting smoking, Kaplan says that medication
and therapy can also be instituted. “We can get people to exercise more and do
more with what they have.” Improving a
person’s quality of life through these management techniques is key.
Kaplan admits that many people with symptoms of COPD don’t
even recognize it until questions are asked. When Kaplan probes what their
exercise capacity is, whether they can walk without taking breaks, or if they
have a chronic cough, wheeze, shortness of breath or a lot of chest infections,
Kaplan recommends having the breathing test done.
For more information about spirometry, COPD or other
conditions, visit the Ontario Lung Association at
www.on.lung.ca or call 1-888-344-LUNG (5864).
