Monitoring recovery after a respiratory illness with spirometry

Spirometry is a valuable tool for the long-term monitoring of pulmonary function, given its capability of detecting a decline in functionality and contributing to evaluating the efficiency of medications and treatments. Because of these reasons, spirometry can be a key ally in monitoring recovery after a respiratory illness, considering how important it is to assess lung function over time in such a scenario.

In this article, we will explore how spirometry can help monitor recovery after a respiratory illness, its strengths and limitations, and how to use it properly.

Potential consequences of respiratory illness

The consequences of respiratory illnesses like pneumonia, bronchitis, or COVID-19 may vary widely depending on the type of illness, its severity, the patient's overall health, and the effectiveness of treatments.

Short-term consequences may include shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, chest pain, and temporary reductions in lung function.

Severe infections can lead to long-term complications like the development of chronic bronchitis, asthma, or COPD. Scarring of the lung tissue and damage to the airways may also be consequential to severe lung infection, leading to a higher risk of developing future issues, due to the integrity of the respiratory system being compromised.

This may result in a poorer quality of life, with persistent physical limitations that may affect a patient’s social and professional life, leading to financial damage and the possibility of developing mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

3 steps for monitoring recovery after a respiratory illness with spirometry

Having a powerful tool in your hands is nothing without a thorough understanding of the results and procedures required for it to be considered an asset. When using spirometry to monitor recovery after a respiratory illness, it is advisable to follow 3 steps.

1. Communicate and establish a routine

The first step for monitoring recovery after a respiratory illness with spirometry is to communicate with your healthcare provider in order to understand what is required of you, what to expect, and when to worry.

First of all, a baseline will be established, i.e. a system of parameters and values to be used as a reference for evaluating your progress. This may include your age, gender, height, and, if available, your results from spirometry tests taken prior to the illness.

Second, you will have to perform spirometry tests regularly. Most personal use spirometers come with an app that converts your results into printable formats and shares them with your physician so that they can easily follow your progress. It is advisable to perform the tests at the same time of day for the results to be consistent. The rate at which to perform them – weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly – will be determined by your healthcare provider according to the severity of the illness and the rate of recovery.

2. Understand spirometry metrics

The most common parameters measured by spirometry are FVC, FEV1, and the ratio between the two. The sole observation of these measurements can deliver precious information on your lungs’ health status. Here is how to interpret them:

• FVC, or Forced Vital Capacity, is the total volume of air that a patient can forcibly exhale after taking a deep breath
• FEV1, or Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second, is the volume of air that a patient can forcibly exhale in the first second of the FVC maneuver
• FEV1/FVC ratio is the percentage of the lung capacity that is exhaled in the first second

A comparison of these values can help identify restrictive or obstructive patterns. For example, low FVC and FEV1 values may be indicators of restrictive patterns, which occur when your lungs cannot fully expand, while a low FEV1/FVC ratio may signal obstructions in your airways.

3. Compare results over time to identify signs of improvement or decline

Long-term spirometry monitoring will allow your physician to compare results over time for an overall view of your progress.

If the results plateau below normal levels or begin to decline, there may be issues going on that require medical attention. This may occur even before symptoms arise, which is why spirometry is so useful for the early detection of potential complications.

Keeping a symptom diary may also be helpful to integrate the overall frame with extra data.

One further suggestion…

In order for your respiratory health to better improve during recovery, don’t underestimate the benefits of physical activity. Rehabilitation or guided physical activity can help strengthen your lungs during recovery, positively influencing your spirometry outcomes.

To further support your long-term recovery, here is a guide to a few simple breathing exercises to improve your lung health.