Question 1

What is a spirometry test with reversibility?

Accepted Answer

A spirometry test with reversibility measures lung function (FEV1, FVC) before and after a bronchodilator to detect airflow obstruction and its reversibility. Baseline spirometry is done, a bronchodilator is given, then measurements are repeated after about 10–15 minutes. A significant rise (commonly ≥12% and ≥200 mL in FEV1) suggests reversible airway disease, often seen in asthma.

Question 2

What does reversibility mean in asthma?

Accepted Answer

Reversibility in asthma describes improvement in airflow after treatment, typically measured by spirometry. A significant response is an increase in FEV1 of at least 12% and 200 mL (or a similar rise in peak expiratory flow) after a bronchodilator or anti-inflammatory therapy. Demonstrable reversibility supports an asthma diagnosis and helps distinguish it from fixed obstructive conditions like COPD.

Question 3

Is COPD reversible on spirometry?

Accepted Answer

COPD is generally not fully reversible on spirometry. Diagnosis requires a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC below 0.70 (or below the lower limit of normal), indicating persistent airflow limitation. Some patients show partial bronchodilator response, but improvements that do not normalize spirometry still support COPD rather than fully reversible asthma. Serial testing and clinical context guide severity assessment and management.

Question 4

What is a positive reversibility test?

Accepted Answer

A positive reversibility test occurs when spirometry shows a significant rise in FEV1 after an inhaled bronchodilator—commonly an increase of ≥12% and ≥200 mL measured about 10–15 minutes later. This indicates reversible airflow obstruction, supporting asthma rather than fixed COPD, and can help guide diagnosis and treatment decisions when combined with clinical assessment.

Question 5

What happens if I fail a spirometry test?

Accepted Answer

If you "fail" a spirometry test—meaning results are abnormal—it suggests airflow obstruction or restriction and could indicate asthma, COPD, or other lung disease. Your clinician will usually repeat testing, assess bronchodilator response, and may order lung volumes, diffusion capacity, or imaging. Treatment (inhalers, smoking cessation) and specialist referral with ongoing monitoring may follow. Poor effort or technique can also cause abnormal results.

Question 6

What is a normal spirometry result?

Accepted Answer

A normal spirometry shows FEV1 and FVC values at or above about 80% of the predicted value for age, sex, height and ethnicity, with an FEV1/FVC ratio at or above roughly 0.70 (or above the test’s lower limit of normal for the person). There should be no significant bronchodilator reversibility and no patterns indicating obstruction or restriction.

Question 7

What is spirometry and PFT?

Accepted Answer

Spirometry is a common pulmonary function test (PFT) that measures how much and how quickly you can exhale, yielding FEV1, FVC and the FEV1/FVC ratio to detect obstructive or restrictive lung disease. PFTs include spirometry plus lung volumes and diffusion capacity (DLCO). They’re noninvasive, effort‑dependent tests used for diagnosis, monitoring, pre‑operative assessment and evaluating treatment response.

Question 8

What is a normal spirometry level for PFT?

Accepted Answer

A normal spirometry result typically shows FEV1 and FVC at or above about 80% of the predicted value for age, sex, height, and ethnicity, with an FEV1/FVC ratio above the lower limit of normal (commonly ≥0.70 in adults). Values below these thresholds suggest obstructive or restrictive patterns and warrant further clinical evaluation.

Question 9

What is the PFT test cost?

Accepted Answer

Cost varies by country and test complexity: in the US a basic spirometry/PFT typically runs about $40–$500 (full lab panels higher); in the UK PFTs are free on the NHS but private tests commonly cost £50–£200; in India PFTs usually range roughly ₹300–₹2,000 at private centers. Final price depends on facility, added measurements (DLCO), and insurance coverage.

Question 10

How do you prepare for a PFT test?

Accepted Answer

To prepare for a pulmonary function test, wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid heavy meals beforehand. Don’t smoke for at least 6 to 8 hours and skip caffeine or vigorous exercise before the test. Follow your clinic’s instructions about withholding inhalers or other respiratory medicines (timing varies). Bring a medication list, ID and inhalers, arrive early, and tell staff about recent chest surgery or unstable health.

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