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Spirometry in Primary Health Care

Abstract

Introduction: Spirometry is a cornerstone of primary healthcare, playing a pivotal role in accurately assessing pulmonary function and diagnosing respiratory conditions. This non-invasive technique quantifies air volumes and flow rates during forced expiration, facilitating the identification of restrictive or obstructive patterns and determining the severity of respiratory disorders. The global prevalence of respiratory diseases underscores the importance of this test, as millions of people suffer from conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), placing a significant burden on healthcare systems.

Methods: Integrative review based on the research question, what is the usefulness of spirometry in primary health care?

Results: Spirometry has taken as the gold standard for confirming airflow limitations and detecting early risks associated with these pathologies, thus contributing to their prevention and control. Correct interpretation of spirometry results, particularly the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and the FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio, is essential for establishing an accurate diagnosis and guiding appropriate treatment. It is considered to be superior to the results of walking tests (6 minutes or 600 meters) used in primary health care, but the limitations are access to the test and qualified personnel.

Conclusions:  Training healthcare professionals in spirometry technique and results interpretation is fundamental to ensuring quality care and optimizing the management of patients with respiratory conditions. The implementation of continuing education programs in this area is imperative to strengthen the competencies of healthcare professionals and promote the rational use of this valuable diagnostic tool.

Keywords

Spirometry, Primary Health Care, Respiratory Tract Diseases, Lung Volume Measurements

PDF (Español)

Author Biography

Angela María Vargas López

Estudiante de Medicina Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia. Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Patología.

Julieth Natalia Gaviria Higuera

Estudiante de Medicina Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia. Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Patología.

Karol Dayana Robles Arciniegas

Estudiante de Medicina Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia. Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y Patología.

Fred Gustavo Manrique Abril

PhD. Profesor Titular Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia. Tunja. Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Bogotá. Grupo de Investigación Biomédica y de Patología-Grupo de Investigación en Salud pública GISP CIECOL

Giomar Maritza Herrera Amaya

PhD. Profesor Asociado Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia. Tunja. Grupo de Investigación Enfermería y APS.


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