Bronchodilator test, Ventolin, pulmonology, lung treatment, sleep disorders

A bronchodilator test is a diagnostic procedure used to assess lung and airway function in people with symptoms of respiratory problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This test involves the measurement of lung function, before and after the application of a bronchodilator, a drug that widens the airways. The aim of the test is to determine how much the bronchodilator improves the airflow through the lungs and whether there is a significant improvement in the capacity of the airways. The bronchodilator test is crucial in the diagnosis of diseases that cause narrowing of the airways, as it helps doctors assess the severity of the disease and determine the appropriate therapy.

The bronchodilator test is performed by first measuring initial lung function using spirometry, which involves deep inhalation and forceful exhalation into a device that measures air capacity and flow. After that, the patient inhales a bronchodilator – a drug that widens the airways. After a certain period of time, usually 15-30 minutes, spirometry is performed again in order to compare the results before and after the administration of the drug.
This test is used to assess whether a patient has a disease that causes narrowing of the airways, such as asthma or COPD. In the case of significant improvement after administration of bronchodilators, this may indicate asthma or another reversible obstructive lung disease. On the other hand, a lack of response to therapy may indicate a more chronic form of the disease, such as COPD. The bronchodilator test is important for evaluating the effectiveness of treatment and adjusting therapy for patients with respiratory problems.

A bronchodilator test usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes. Just measuring the lung function (spirometry) before applying the bronchodilator takes a few minutes, and then the patient is given the bronchodilator to inhale. After applying the medicine, you usually wait 15-30 minutes so that the medicine has time to work. After this time, the spirometry test is repeated to assess the improvement in lung function. The total duration may vary depending on the organization of the test and the patient's response to the bronchodilator.