[Value of spirometry in the early diagnosis of respiratory system diseases]

During routine use of spirometry in a general medical practice in 31% of a group of 301 patients ventilation disorders were detected, which had not been known before. In 67 patients there was a positive result of a broncholysis test while pulmonary function values were normal (latent obstruction). During detailed interrogation risk factors for a respiratory disease were discovered, although there was no serious discomfort. If spirometry is routinely combined with a broncholysis test, latent respiratory obstruction can be easily recognized. This enables early diagnosis of respiratory diseases in low age groups.