Asthma and Lung Function Tests

An information paper for health professionals
This publication is dedicated to the memory of Professor Ann Woolcock AO
The aim of this paper is to provide an up-to-date, evidence-based summary of the issues around lung function testing in asthma, including practical advice. A consumer brochure on this topic has also been developed. Both documents have been produced by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing in collaboration with the National Asthma Council.
Content
Spirometry
Why do spirometry?
How useful is spirometry in the management of asthma? Current evidence.
How do I get the best results?
Practical tips
Normal and abnormal spirometry: A guide
Peak Expiratory Flow
What is Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF)?
What are the limitations of PEF?
When is PEF useful?
Practical tips
Levels of evidence
References

Authors

Prof Richard Ruffin, Head of Medicine, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide University, SA
A/Prof John Wilson, Head of Cystic Fibrosis Unit, The Alfred Hospital, VIC
A/Prof Nick Freezer, Director of Respiratory Medicine, Monash Medical Centre, VIC
Dr Chris Brown, General Practitioner, QLD
Mr Marcus Weidinger, Consultant Pharmacist, WA

© Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing 2005

Disclaimer

The information contained in this paper has been expert reviewed and represents the available published literature at the time of review. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Any questions regarding a medical diagnosis or treatment should be referred to a medical practitioner.

Further information

The information in this paper is based on and reflects the information contained in the National Asthma Council’s Asthma Management Handbook 2006 and Spirometry: The Measurement and Interpretation of Ventilatory Function in Clinical Practice. Readers are recommended to consult these publications for further details on lung function testing in adults and children, including respiratory function tables.

National Asthma Council	www.NationalAsthma.org.au
The National Asthma Council website contains information and publications on asthma and has links to other asthma sites
Asthma Foundations of Australia Patients can contact their local Asthma Foundation on 1800 645 130 or visit their websites:
Asthma Foundations of Australia	www.asthmaaustralia.org.au
Asthma Foundation of New South Wales	www.asthmansw.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Northern Territory	www.asthmant.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Queensland	www.asthmaqld.org.au
Asthma Foundation of South Australia	www.asthmasa.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Tasmania	www.asthmatas.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Victoria	www.asthma.org.au
Asthma Foundation of Western Australia	www.asthmawa.org.au
Asthma	www.health.gov.au/pq/asthma
HealthInsite	www.healthinsite.gov.au
Healthy Homes	www.nphp.gov.au/enhealth/council/pubs/pdf/healthyhomes.pdf
Australasian Society for Clinical Immunology and Allergy	www.allergy.org.au
Reliable and up-to-date information on allergy and asthma

This series on Asthma Topics for Health Professionals comprises eight separate titles:

1  Asthma and Allergy
2  Asthma and Lung Function Tests
3  Asthma and Pain Relievers
4  Asthma and Air Pollution
5  Asthma and Complementary Therapies
6  Asthma and Infant Bedding
7  Asthma and Diet in Early Childhood
8  Asthma and Wheezing in the First Years of Life

To access these documents log on to: www.NationalAsthma.org.au or the Department of Health and Ageing on 1800 500 053.