What should you know about incentric spirometry?

You breathe through a spirometer while following instructions to take a full breath and exhale forcefully. The device records the air moved and the speed of the blow. Results can help a clinician recognise an obstructive pattern, such as narrowed airways, or decide whether further assessment is needed. Spirometry may be relevant when someone has persistent cough, wheeze, breathlessness, or reduced exercise tolerance. It can support assessment of asthma and COPD, but a result is interpreted alongside symptoms, examination findings, and sometimes repeat testing.

Wear comfortable clothing and follow the clinic's instructions about inhalers, meals, and smoking before the appointment. Tell the clinician about recent chest infections, chest pain, dizziness, or surgery because these details may affect timing or technique. During the test, create a firm seal around the mouthpiece and keep trying until the clinician says the manoeuvre is complete. You may need several attempts so the readings can be compared. Ask what your values mean rather than judging your breathing from one number.

Arrange medical review for breathlessness that is new, persistent, or limiting normal activity, or for a cough that does not settle. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, fainting, confusion, or chest pain. A spirometry appointment should not delay urgent assessment. If you smoke, discuss a Smoking Cessation Programme; treatment may also involve Inhaler Therapy when an airway condition is diagnosed.

Ask whether you need to stop any inhaler before testing, whether your result suggests asthma or COPD, and when the findings will be reviewed. You can also ask whether another test or referral is appropriate.