ICIM Medics Respiratory Assessment can help diagnose various lung disorders, most commonly COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and asthma. It is also used to monitor the severity of certain lung conditions, and their response to treatment.
COPD is the second highest percentage of causes of respiratory death in Ireland, following only Lung Cancer. ICIM Medics Respiratory Assessment can help diagnose COPD, especially in the early stages of the disease before the symptoms are debilitating or even before they are recognized and acknowledged by the patient. According to the National Lung Health Education Program¹, all persons aged 44 or older who currently smoke or smoked previously should have a Spirometry Test.
Testing with spirometry determines the presence and severity of the airway obstruction. The test has no risk of radiation compared to X-ray and CT scan and is the only way to detect the disease in the early stages. The Spirometer is connected to a computer that records the volume of air exhaled in one second (forced expiratory volume in one second, or FEV1) and the total amount of air exhaled (forced vital capacity, or FVC).
ICIM Medics Respiratory Assessment is effective in testing for decreased lung function in past and current smokers. In fact, smokers and ex-smokers should have regular ICIM MEDICS RESPIRATORY ASSESSMENT performed. The assessment is also effective in detecting decreased lung function in other high-risk persons, such as those with occupational exposures to dusts or chemicals.
ICIM Medics Respiratory Assessment includes:
• Height
• Weight
• Blood pressure
• Pulse
• Urine Analysis
• Sp02 level
• Clinical history of lung disease
• Physical examination related to your lungs
• Palpation and chest expansion
• Percussion, auscultation and any adventitious sounds
• Spirometry
• Lifestyle Counseling
• Full report will be provided by post.
ICIM Medics Respiratory Assessment includes most of the early diagnosis methods e.g. spirometry, physical examination and the percussion etc.
So, if you have any of the symptoms listed below, it is very important to your health that you contact the Clinic to arrange your ICIM Medics Respiratory Assessment :
• Breathlessness
• Chest tightness or discomfort
• Persistent cough with or without sputum
• Exposed to chemicals or fumes that may have damaged the lungs
• Smoker over 44, former smoker and also in people exposed to environmental tobacco smoke or irritants in the workplace.
• People with a family history of COPD.
We do not recommend having a Respiratory Assessment if you have:
• Unstable angina.
• Had a recent pneumothorax (air trapped beneath the chest wall).
• Had a recent heart attack or stroke.
• Had recent eye or abdominal surgery.
• Coughed up blood recently and the cause is not known.
What preparation is needed before having ICIM Respiratory Assessment?
• Do not use your bronchodilator inhalers for a set time before the test (several hours or more, depending on which inhaler you use).
• Do not have alcohol, a heavy meal, or do vigorous exercise for three hours before the test.
• You should not smoke for 24 hours before the test.
Contact us on 045 844 819 to make your appointment or e-mail us at: info@icim.
¹ http://www.nlhep.org