Lung function testing

[e-rider]

I recently had a serious lung infection which has left me feeling dodgy (wheezy) several months later.

I have just had my lung function tested and I performed below average for my age etc, which was somewhat expected due to the illness but also a surprise being a fit person who has done a lot of exercise for my entire life.

Anyway, the point of this thread was to suggest that people test themselves using a cheap peak air flow meter whilst they are fit and healthy. I didn't do this so have no idea what my lungs were like before my illness which is very inconvenient (I can guess that they were better but by how much nobody knows)! Knowing your healthy function levels is very helpful should you suddenly get ill, and can help make a correct diagnosis.

 

[billy1561]

I am in the fortunate position where the company i work for do this test on the annual medical. For the last 3 years when i have returned to cycling after a 30 year gap my lung capacity has increased year on year.

 

[Ningishzidda]

Is that called a Spirometer?

 

[e-rider]

Is that called a Spirometer?

yes, but the easy (and cheap) test to do at home measures peak flow - not as good as spirometry but useful none the less. Knowing your 'healthy' scores is useful should you run into trouble later down the line - I have no idea what mine were before I got ill, which makes a correct diagnosis a little more difficult.

 

[Biker Joe]

As an asthma sufferer, I use a peak flow meter on a regular basis.
Lung function is tested at the doctors every 6 months as part of the asthma review.
I got pneumonia just over a year ago and still suffer from irritating coughs that, I am told ,is due to scarring of the airways.
Surprisingly, however, my lung function has not deteriorated at all and is as good as it was years ago.
That makes me a happy chappy.

 

[Ningishzidda]

Being the proud owner of an ergometer with a wattage display and a function where it can control speed to achieve a Watts setpoint; and a HRM, I can calculate my VO2 uptake.