Hello,
My son just turned 5 this week and our pediatrician (non-specialist) said he was finally old enough to have his lung function tested. We have also seen a pediatric pulmonologist in the past, last visit he felt he didn't have asthma. But since he was born we've heard the word asthma or "reactive airway disease" thrown around here and there. We did the spirometry test today in our regular pediatrician office, which included blowing into the machine and then receiving a neb of Xopenex, waiting 10 minutes and repeating the test again after the medication to see if it changed anything. Our pediatrician said the medication didn't make a significant difference and the results were "perfect" with a PEFR (L/s) result of 99%. I don't know what this means though, is the spirometry test supposed to diagonsis asthma? Does this mean he doesn't have asthma? Confused, what is the point of this test?
Thank you.
The Spirometry itself, cannot diagnose Asthma.
Did you see a Pulmonologist or the regular Pediatrician?
A specialist, should be seen.
I have Asthma.
Since childhood.
http://asthma.about.com/od/adultasthma/a/art_AA_spiro.htm
http://www.medgraph.com/aboutasthma.html
I worked for a couple of pulmonologists in their office as the RN and will tell you that generally a simple spirometry is not enough to diagnose asthma.
I would seek out at least an allergist if not a pediatric pulmonologist will (should) do complete pulmonary function tests (spirometry is just the tip of the iceberg) and/or a methyl choline challenge test.
If your son wasn't 'reacting' it may just have been because he was not exposed to his triggers.
I'd get a second opinion from a specialist.
I think that this only means that his lungs were operating at a normal capacity. He could have asthma but it hasn't damaged his lungs as of now.
But I'm not sure.
I do know that the spirometry test alone does not diagnose asthma. My granddaughter has asthma and has had more than that one test.
You really need to talk with the doctor to ask this question. I suggest taking him to a specialist if you're concerned about the possibility of asthma.
