What should you know about basic spirometry test?

You breathe into a Spirometer through a mouthpiece while wearing a nose clip or keeping your nose closed. The clinician demonstrates a full breath in followed by a fast, strong breath out. Several attempts may be needed so the readings are consistent. The pattern can show narrowed or restricted airflow, but spirometry is interpreted alongside symptoms, examination, smoking history, and other tests. It can support assessment of Asthma, COPD, Bronchiectasis, or a persistent cough without proving one diagnosis by itself.

Wear comfortable clothing and avoid a heavy meal immediately beforehand if it makes deep breathing difficult. Ask whether to pause an inhaler or other medicine; follow the clinic's instructions rather than changing treatment yourself. Tell the clinician about chest pain, recent surgery, a recent infection, dizziness, or trouble sealing your lips around the mouthpiece. If smoking is contributing to symptoms, a Smoking Cessation Programme can be discussed separately.

Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness at rest, blue or grey lips, fainting, chest pain, confusion, or inability to speak in full sentences. During testing, tell the clinician immediately if you feel faint, develop chest tightness, or cannot recover your breathing. Arrange medical review for worsening breathlessness, repeated night symptoms, or a cough that does not settle.

Ask what the measured pattern suggests, whether you need testing after an inhaler, and how the result changes your treatment. Clarify how to use Inhaler Therapy, which symptoms should prompt review, and when lung function should be checked again.