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Review
. 2019 Jan-Mar;66(1):76-84.
doi: 10.29262/ram.v66i1.536.

[Spirometry: basic concepts]

[Article in Spanish]
Daniela Rivero-Yeverino  1
Affiliations
Review

[Spirometry: basic concepts]

[Article in Spanish]
Daniela Rivero-Yeverino. Rev Alerg Mex. 2019 Jan-Mar.

Abstract
in English, Spanish

Spirometry is a pulmonary function test that allows screening, diagnosis and monitoring of respiratory diseases. This is a simple, non-invasive test that is easy to perform. By quantifying the respiratory volumes and flows, such as forced vital capacity (FVC) or forced expiratory volume in six seconds (FEV6), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), and the relationship between these parameters (FEV1/FVC or FEV1/FEV6 ratio), obstruction can be detected with high sensitivity and specificity; likewise, it is possible to classify the severity and response to the bronchodilator. This article presents indications, contraindications, and basic concepts for the interpretation of spirometry.

La espirometría es una prueba de función pulmonar que permite el cribado, diagnóstico y monitorización de las enfermedades respiratorias. Esta prueba es sencilla, fácil de realizar y no invasiva. Mediante la cuantificación de los volúmenes y los flujos respiratorios como la capacidad vital forzada (CVF) o volumen espiratorio forzado en seis segundos (VEF6), el volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo (VEF1) y la relación entre estos parámetros (índice VEF1/CVF o VEF1/VEF6) se detecta obstrucción, con alta sensibilidad y especificidad; asimismo, es posible clasificar la gravedad y la respuesta al broncodilatador. En este artículo se exponen indicaciones, contraindicaciones y conceptos básicos para la interpretación de la espirometría.

Keywords: Forced expiratory volume in six seconds; Forced expiratory volume in the first second; Forced vital capacity; Respiratory function tests; Spirometry.

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