Does a pulmonology perform spirometry?

Spirometry measures how much air you breathe out and how quickly you can move it. You breathe into a mouthpiece connected to a device, usually after careful instructions and practice attempts. The test may help assess airflow problems linked with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, persistent cough, wheezing, or breathlessness. A pulmonologist reviews the pattern rather than relying on one number alone; medical history, examination, medicines, and sometimes other tests also matter.

When booking, tell the clinic about your breathing symptoms, current inhalers, recent chest illness, and any difficulty making a strong breath. Ask whether you should pause a particular inhaler before testing; do not stop prescribed medicine without instructions. Wear comfortable clothing and avoid a heavy meal immediately beforehand if the clinic advises this. During the appointment, follow the technician’s coaching and give your best consistent effort, because technique affects the reading.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, blue or grey lips, fainting, new confusion, or chest pressure that does not settle. Arrange a medical review for ongoing cough, wheezing, reduced exercise tolerance, or repeated nighttime breathing symptoms. These warning signs need clinical assessment; spirometry can be useful but is not an emergency treatment.

Ask what the test is intended to clarify, whether your medicines change the preparation, how the results will be explained, and whether follow-up testing is needed if the first attempt is inconclusive.