What should you know about airways spirometer?

A spirometer is a breathing device used during spirometry. You usually breathe in fully, seal your lips around a mouthpiece, and blow out as hard and fast as instructed. The device records airflow and the amount of air moved. The result can help a clinician assess narrowing or obstruction in the airways and compare breathing before and after a prescribed inhaler.

The test is not a diagnosis by itself. A clinician interprets the tracing alongside your symptoms, examination, age, height, smoking history, and other medical information. Cough, wheeze, breathlessness, or reduced exercise tolerance may prompt testing, but these symptoms have many possible causes.

Wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict your chest or abdomen. Follow the service instructions about eating, smoking, exercise, and inhalers; do not stop a prescribed medicine unless the clinician tells you to. Mention recent chest infection, chest pain, dizziness, surgery, or difficulty forming a tight seal around the mouthpiece.

During the test, several attempts may be needed so the readings can be compared. You may feel briefly light-headed or tired after forceful blowing. Sit down, breathe normally, and tell the technician if you feel unwell. Bring your inhalers and medication list if requested.

Seek emergency help for severe or sudden breathlessness, blue or grey lips, fainting, new confusion, severe chest pain, or inability to speak in full sentences. Arrange prompt medical review for worsening wheeze, persistent breathlessness at rest, coughing blood, or symptoms that are steadily getting worse. For details about the equipment and test, see Spirometer and Spirometry.

Ask what the test is checking, whether any inhalers need to be paused, how the result will be explained, and what follow-up is planned if the reading is outside the expected range.