Spirometry test - x4 puffs of Ventalin- Is this normal procedure?

My doctor waited for me, it was hard. I did not and would not anyway take 4 PUFFS OF THIS DRUG. I am so sorry you were upset, this nurse was very lucky not to have me as a patient as I do have a temper. Riduculous behaviour, needs reporting.

Four puffs? never had that. Two, yes, and I was allowed to sit down when I had dodgy legs, jjust shuffled forwards on the sea so my abdomen could expand as I took the deep breaths needed. It is silly for her to let you get distressed, as it reduces ones lung function. You had bad luck with this one!

Thanks Caroline and Jay for replying. I knew there was something dodgy about this ?Nurse. It amazes me people like that are in the profession hey.

Yes I have seen inhalers used more then they say. That is why you ask here cause we know more then ppl that dont

 

Hi there sorry to hear you had a rough nurse, by the way please report her she was not doing her job properly.

I have had numerous spirometry tests and they do not give you 4 puffs of ventolin even with breathing difficulties they would give you a nebuliser if you couldnt do the test.

You do need to blow hard like that unfortunately that is what it is for, i have also had a lung function test which you breathe continuously until you have no more air in your lungs that one is harder than anything.

I would ask for the tests to be done again this time with another nurse if possible as you are not happy with the results of the first test, if you have breathing difficulties no way would the test come back as normal. (my opnion and i am not a medical professional)

I guess it all depends on who is doing the spirometry.  I've had a number of spirometry tests over the past year and a half for occupational asthma , some for my doctors and some for the insurance doctors, everyone at different locations. The average was 4x puffs but had as little as 2x puffs when done by a hospital nurse to a maximum of 6x puffs, although I'm guessing the 6x puffs was to compensate for the 2 puffs I took about half hour earlier while being examined by the doctor.  Wouldn't worry about the amount of Ventolin you were given too much as there does not seem to be a standard amount, they give it to you to see if there is an improvement. Also getting distressed will just increase your asthma symptoms and likely counteract some of the effect of Ventolin so try to stay relaxed during the spirometry tests or the results will be inaccurate. Good luck.

I am a Resp Therapist of over 20 years and doing this testing for over 15+ so I can vouch for this test.

Sorry but unfortunatly you are all incorrect. As per required national standards this is 'required" for an accurate test.Albuterol at 4 puffs is not a normal dose yes, but you would have to take a "lot" of it to be too much. 

As for the difficulty of the test, that too is also part of the test. She is required to coach you to get accurate efforts.She should however talk to you to explain this to you. If the test was easy you did not do it correct.

Yes some people can not do it at all. It doesnot have anything to do with your lungs but the effort needed behind it. It is hard, but even people with horrible lungs can do the test and I have had some people with perfect lungs who could not do it. You can only do what your body will allow. SOme people can whistle some can not. Is it physically possible, no, but some still can not do it. Plain and simple.

As for her bedside manner, I was not there and can not judge for what I was not there for. We do have to push though to get out what is needed for accuracy. You would be suprised. There is more thier in your lungs than you feel and you "will not" feel it tward the end but I promise there is some there, just not a lot.

This is all a requirment for test accuracy, and you would not want a test that was not accurate, or what was the point of testing. As for the best of 3, no. You have to have at least 3 "consistant" efforts. SO if you did not get it in those 3 you have to do more. If you can not get them in the most 8 times then you must stop becuase not your results willnot be accurate because you have over worked yourself and they will not be accurate.