Is spirometry done with spirometer?

During spirometry, you breathe through a mouthpiece connected to the spirometer. A clip may keep air from escaping through your nose. The clinician usually asks you to breathe normally, then take a deep breath and blow out as hard and fast as you can for as long as instructed. The device records airflow and exhaled volume. The pattern can help assess conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but results must be interpreted alongside symptoms and examination findings.

Wear comfortable clothing and follow instructions about meals, smoking, exercise, and inhalers before the appointment. Tell the clinician if you are unwell or if blowing hard causes dizziness, chest discomfort, or unusual breathlessness. Seal your lips around the mouthpiece and follow coaching closely; a good effort may require repeated attempts. Do not change prescribed medicines unless the testing team tells you to.

Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, fainting, or chest pain that is new or persistent. Contact your clinician if cough, wheeze, or breathlessness is worsening rather than waiting for a routine test. Spirometry is planned testing and is not a substitute for emergency assessment.

Ask whether to pause any inhaler before testing, how many attempts are expected, and when the result will be explained. Ask whether you may need a repeat test after using a reliever medicine or after further assessment.