How long does spirometry take to work for chronic cough?

The test checks the amount and speed of air moving out of your lungs. It can support assessment for asthma or another airflow problem, but a chronic cough can also relate to reflux, nasal conditions, medicines, infection or other lung disease. A normal reading does not explain every cough. Your clinician may compare results with the cough pattern, examination, medication list and other investigations.

Follow instructions about inhalers and arrive prepared to describe when the cough began, whether it is dry or brings up mucus, and what triggers it. Avoid stopping medicines unless instructed. During testing, make a full effort but report chest discomfort, marked dizziness or troublesome breathlessness. Keep a symptom record if the cough changes between visits.

Obtain urgent medical help for coughing up blood, severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion or a sudden deterioration. Arrange prompt assessment for unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, drenching night sweats or a cough that is worsening. Do not wait for spirometry if these warning signs appear.

Ask whether spirometry is checking for asthma, whether inhaler response will be measured, and what other causes of cough need consideration. Ask when results will be reviewed and which symptoms should prompt earlier contact.