What should you know about pft and spirometry?

Pulmonary function testing is a group of breathing assessments; spirometry is one member of that group. During spirometry, you breathe through a mouthpiece connected to a spirometer while a technician guides forceful breaths. The measurements can help assess airflow obstruction and track change over time. They may support evaluation of asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, or a persistent cough, but they do not provide a diagnosis in isolation.

Wear loose clothing and follow the clinic's instructions about eating, smoking, exercise, and inhalers. Sit upright, seal your lips around the mouthpiece, and follow the technician's timing closely; several efforts may be needed for a dependable recording. Tell the team about chest infection symptoms, recent surgery, chest pain, or dizziness before testing. Rest if you feel light-headed during an effort.

Spirometry is usually arranged as a planned test, but severe breathlessness needs urgent care rather than a routine appointment. Seek immediate help if you cannot speak in comfortable sentences, your lips look blue or grey, or prescribed reliever treatment is not helping. Ask for review if cough, wheezing, or reduced exercise tolerance keeps returning after testing.

Ask what the measurements mean, whether a bronchodilator was used, when results will be reviewed, and whether inhaler treatment or a smoking cessation programme is appropriate.