How to Pass a Spirometry Test for Scuba Diving

Spirometry is a lung function test that measures how much air you can breathe in and out of your lungs. It is often used to diagnose and monitor lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Spirometry is also required for scuba diving, as it helps to ensure that you have healthy lungs and can safely breathe underwater.

There are a few things you can do to prepare for a spirometry test for scuba diving:

Avoid smoking for at least 24 hours before the test. Smoking can irritate your lungs and make it difficult to breathe deeply.
Avoid eating a large meal within 2 hours of the test. Eating can make it difficult to breathe deeply.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You will need to be able to take deep breaths during the test, so make sure your clothing is not too tight.

The spirometry test itself is simple and painless. You will be asked to sit in a chair and blow into a mouthpiece that is connected to a spirometer. The spirometer will measure the amount of air you can breathe in and out of your lungs, and will also measure how fast you can breathe.

The results of your spirometry test will be compared to the normal values for your age, height, and gender. If your results are below normal, you may have a lung disease that needs to be treated.

If you are planning on scuba diving, it is important to pass a spirometry test. This test will help to ensure that you have healthy lungs and can safely breathe underwater.

Here are some additional tips for passing a spirometry test:

Practice taking deep breaths. This will help you to get the most out of the test.
Follow the instructions of the technician. The technician will tell you how to breathe into the mouthpiece and how long to blow.
Try to relax. If you are nervous, your breathing may become shallow and irregular. This can make it difficult to get accurate results.
If you have any difficulty breathing during the test, let the technician know. They may be able to help you to adjust the mouthpiece or give you a break.

What happens if I fail a spirometry test?

If you fail a spirometry test, it does not necessarily mean that you have a lung disease. However, it does mean that you will need to follow up with your doctor for further testing. Your doctor may order a chest X-ray, a CT scan, or other tests to help determine the cause of your abnormal spirometry results.

If you are diagnosed with a lung disease, your doctor will recommend the best course of treatment. Treatment may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery.

Spirometry test values

The following are the normal values for spirometry tests:

Forced vital capacity (FVC): The amount of air you can forcibly exhale after taking a deep breath.
Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1): The amount of air you can forcibly exhale in the first second after taking a deep breath.
FEV1/FVC ratio: The percentage of your FVC that you can exhale in the first second.
Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR): The fastest rate at which you can exhale air from your lungs.

The normal values for these tests vary depending on your age, height, and gender. Your doctor will compare your results to the normal values for your demographic group to determine if you have any lung problems.

Spirometry test contraindications

There are a few conditions that may make it unsafe for you to take a spirometry test. These conditions include:

Recent heart attack or stroke
Unstable angina
Severe aortic stenosis
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)
Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)

If you have any of these conditions, be sure to tell your doctor before taking a spirometry test.