What should you know about gold spirometry?

A spirometer measures how much air you can breathe out and how quickly you can do it. The result is interpreted alongside your symptoms, examination and health history. GOLD is a clinical framework often used when assessing COPD; its airflow categories help describe severity after appropriate testing. A result alone does not explain every cause of breathlessness or cough, and asthma, bronchiectasis and other problems may need different assessment.

The test involves a firm seal around a mouthpiece and several forceful breaths. Good technique matters, so the clinician may repeat attempts and explain how to inhale fully before blowing out.

Follow the clinic's instructions about meals, smoking, exercise and inhalers before the appointment. Tell the clinician about chest pain, recent illness, surgery or medicines that could affect the test. Wear comfortable clothing and bring your inhaler list. Afterward, discuss what the numbers mean for you rather than comparing them with someone else's result. Depending on the assessment, follow-up may include inhaler therapy, smoking cessation support or another lung test.

Arrange medical review for new or worsening breathlessness, a persistent cough, wheezing or reduced activity tolerance. Seek urgent help for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, chest pressure or inability to speak in full sentences. A spirometry appointment should not delay urgent care when breathing suddenly deteriorates.

Ask which measurement was abnormal, whether the test quality was adequate, what conditions could explain it, and whether you need repeat spirometry or other checks. Ask how to use any prescribed inhaler and when your symptoms should be reassessed.