Using spirometry to diagnose and treat bronchitis

Accurate diagnosis and monitoring of respiratory diseases are critical to ensuring effective treatment and improved outcomes for patients worldwide. Several tests can be used for diagnostic purposes, with spirometry being one of the most popular, because it is non-invasive, painless, and reliable. In addition, spirometry can detect decreased lung function even before symptoms appear, allowing for earlier intervention.

Spirometry tests measure the volume of air a patient can breathe in and out, and how fast, which makes it particularly useful when it comes to chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, or COPD, like chronic bronchitis.

What is chronic bronchitis?

Chronic bronchitis is a respiratory condition characterized by the inflammation of the bronchial tubes, or bronchi, the two large cartilaginous tubes that direct air from your trachea to your lungs. The inflammation leads to excessive mucus production that acts as an obstructive factor when a patient tries to breathe, which is why it is classified as an obstructive lung disease.

It is most commonly caused by smoking – both active and passive – or frequent exposure to airborne allergens or chemicals.

Symptoms like frequent cough and shortness of breath lasting more than two years may be indicators of chronic bronchitis.

Using spirometry for the diagnosis of chronic bronchitis

Spirometry can provide key data for the early diagnosis of chronic bronchitis, by recording the volume and speed of air breathed in and out, providing an objective measurement of lung function. This is especially useful for the distinction between chronic bronchitis and acute bronchitis, a short-term respiratory infection without underlying COPD.

The main parameters in spirometry are:

• FVC, or the total amount of air a patient can exhale by blowing out fast
• FEV1, or the amount of air they can exhale during the first second of the FVC maneuver
• FEV1/FVC Ratio

FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio are key to evaluating the presence and severity of airflow obstruction. A FEV1/FVC ratio of 0.7 or higher is generally considered normal. When the value is below 0.7, there are obstructions in the airways whose severity rises as the indicator falls.

Medical treatments for chronic bronchitis

Common medications used to treat chronic bronchitis are:

• Bronchodilators are usually administered via inhaler. Short-acting beta-agonists like albuterol, or long-acting beta-agonists like salmeterol may be prescribed to help open the airways
• Steroids can be inhaled or taken orally. They may be prescribed to reduce inflammation in case of persistent airflow obstruction despite bronchodilator therapy

In case of exacerbation, i.e. when symptoms worsen, oral or intravenous steroids may be used, as well as antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected.

How spirometry can help treat and monitor chronic bronchitis

After chronic bronchitis is diagnosed, spirometry can be used to monitor the progression of the disease and the effectiveness of treatments.

Regular checks and Remote Patient Monitoring can help physicians adjust treatments according to how lung function changes over time.

In case of exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, spirometry helps quantify the degree of airflow obstruction as lung function worsens.

Finding the best spirometers to diagnose and monitor COPD

With over 30 years of experience, MIR is a leading Company in the field of respiratory health and MedTech solutions.

On the dedicated page on our website, you will find the best state-of-the-art devices for spirometry and oximetry, as well as downloadable data sheets and brochures. Check them out at the dedicated link.