What should you know about a bedside spirometry test?

You breathe into a spirometer through a clean mouthpiece. The device records airflow during a forceful breath out, often after a full breath in. The clinician may repeat the manoeuvre because a good seal, strong effort and correct technique affect the result.

Spirometry can contribute to assessment of asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis or persistent cough, but a result is not interpreted alone. Symptoms, examination, smoking history, medicines and previous results may change what the numbers mean. Inhaler use before testing should follow the instructions from the testing team.

Wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict your chest. Follow any instructions about meals, smoking, exercise and inhalers, and tell the clinician if you have recently been unwell or find forceful breathing difficult. During testing, sit upright, follow the demonstration and tell the team if you feel dizzy or uncomfortable.

The result may lead to repeat testing, a different type of lung assessment or a treatment discussion. Inhaler therapy can be reviewed when airflow symptoms are present, while a smoking cessation programme may support lung health if you smoke.

Tell the testing team immediately if you develop chest pain, severe breathlessness, faintness, wheezing that does not settle or feel too unwell to continue. Seek urgent help for sudden severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, confusion or inability to speak normally. Do not wait for a test appointment when symptoms are rapidly worsening.

Ask what the test is intended to clarify, whether you should pause any inhaler, and how many attempts are expected. Ask whether the pattern suggests asthma, COPD or another explanation, whether repeat or specialist testing is needed, and how the result will affect your treatment plan.