What should you know about pediatric spirometer?

Spirometry is a breathing test performed with a mouthpiece connected to a spirometer. The child takes a full breath, seals their lips around the mouthpiece, and blows out as hard and long as instructed. The device records airflow and exhaled volume. A clinician may repeat the manoeuvre to check that the result is consistent, and may compare readings before and after an inhaled medicine.

The test can support assessment of asthma or other airflow problems, but a reading is interpreted alongside symptoms, examination findings, age, height, and the child’s ability to follow instructions. Read more about the [Spirometer](/technology/spirometer/) and [Spirometry](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/spirometry/).

Explain the test in calm, simple language and let the child practise slow breathing first. Follow the clinic’s instructions about inhalers, meals, and activity; do not stop a prescribed medicine unless the clinician tells you to. Comfortable clothing can make deep breathing easier. Tell the team about cough, wheeze, chest discomfort, recent illness, or difficulty using the mouthpiece.

During testing, encourage a tight lip seal and a strong continuous blow. A staff member may use a nose clip or demonstrate the technique. If the child is distressed, dizzy, or unable to continue, pause and tell the team rather than forcing the effort.

Seek urgent care if a child has severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, cannot speak or drink because of breathlessness, becomes unusually drowsy, or has ribs pulling in with each breath. Use the child’s prescribed reliever plan when applicable. Call emergency services if breathing is rapidly worsening or the child is not responding normally.

Ask what the measured values mean for your child, whether medicine should be used before future tests, how often review is needed, and how the results fit with symptoms. Clarify the action plan for wheeze, exercise, night symptoms, and a failed or incomplete test.