Pulmonary function test (spirometry)
During the lung function test, known as spirometry, we measure your respiratory volume using a special device called a spirometer. We evaluate your respiratory flow during inhalation and exhalation to draw conclusions about the condition of your airways and your lung capacity. In addition to spirometry, we use other diagnostic instruments to measure breathing at Cardiopraxis : for example, spiromanometry and spiroergometry.
How does a lung function test (spirometry) work in our clinic?
The procedure for the pulmonary function test is simple. Dressed and in an upright sitting position, you breathe into a mouthpiece in various ways as instructed by the doctor, with your nose closed with a clamp. During this process, phases of quiet inhalation and exhalation alternate with phases in which you are to inhale and exhale at maximum speed. In total, the spirometry test takes between 5 and 10 minutes. The results vary according to gender, age and body size - untrained people also usually have a smaller lung volume than athletically active people.
When do we perform a lung function test (spirometry)?
We perform spirometry, for example, if we suspect asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary skeletal disease. This may be the case if you suffer from shortness of breath or your performance is generally limited. Depending on the result, we then initiate further necessary measures.
Pulmonary function tests are performed about 350 times a year at Cardiopraxis .
Respiratory pressure measurement (spiromanometry)
Breathing pressure measurement, known as spiromanometry, involves breathing in and out against a resistance. In this way, we determine the strength of your respiratory muscles, which may be decisive for your complaints. In addition to spiromanometry, we also work with other methods that measure breathing at Cardiopraxis : for example, spirometry and spiroergometry.
What is the procedure for measuring respiratory pressure (spiromanometry)?
Similar to the pulmonary function test, you blow into a mouthpiece while sitting upright. However, you will experience resistance here, so you will need to exert muscle force. This procedure gives us important information: Your maximum inhalation force is a measure of the muscular strength of your diaphragm, and your maximum exhalation force illustrates the strength of your abdominal muscles. A weakened diaphragm, for example, can be an indication of disease or "improper breathing." The entire examination takes a maximum of 10 minutes.
When do we perform an airway pressure measurement (spiromanometry)?
Spiromanometry is performed by the doctor when your shortness of breath needs to be clarified and a weakness of your respiratory muscles is suspected. This may be due to general muscle weakness, for example. Specifically, your diaphragm may be weakened if you chronically breathe through your mouth into your chest - instead of through your nose, as recommended. Regular exercise can help with proper breathing technique.
We measure respiratory pressure about 170 times a year at our two sites at Cardiopraxis.
Spiroergometry
With spiroergometry, we record how your lungs and cardiovascular system work under stress. The doctor measures your heart activity via ECG and the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the air you breathe. This allows us to detect functional disorders in a very differentiated way, to determine known problems more precisely and to develop your individual training plan from this.
How does spiroergometry work for us?
During spiroergometry, you sit on a special bicycle, the ergometer. You are connected to a stress ECG device via electrodes that are attached to your free upper body. You also wear a special breathing mask that covers your mouth and nose and is connected to an apparatus. The resistance of the ergometer is continuously increased during the course. The cardiologist measures the ECG curve, oxygen consumption, breathing depth and frequency in relation to this particular load and receives the results graphically displayed on a computer. In total, the examination takes a maximum of 20 minutes.
When do we use spiroergometry?
Spiroergometry allows us to detect and assess various diseases, such as cardiac insufficiency. This is often manifested by shortness of breath in stress situations, which are simulated here. Spiroergometry is also suitable for determining your training status or your general fitness.
Every year, our team of doctors performs around 15 of these examinations.