What should you know about a PFT test for asthma?

You breathe into a spirometer through a mouthpiece, following repeated instructions to inhale fully and exhale forcefully. The clinician looks for variable narrowing of the airways and considers whether results improve after medicine. Asthma can vary from day to day, so a normal test does not by itself rule it out. Cough, wheezing and chest tightness may also have other causes.

Ask the testing team which inhalers to use or pause beforehand; do not stop prescribed treatment without their direction. Avoid restrictive clothing and tell them about a recent chest infection or an asthma flare. Give your best effort on each breath and report dizziness, coughing or discomfort. Bring your current medicine list and describe when symptoms occur, including with exercise, allergens or at night.

Get emergency help for severe breathlessness, difficulty speaking, blue or grey lips, drowsiness or little improvement after your prescribed reliever. Arrange prompt review when wheezing, cough or chest tightness is increasing or repeatedly disturbing sleep. A nebuliser treatment may be used in urgent settings when inhaled medicine needs supervised delivery.

Ask whether your results support asthma, whether allergy or chronic cough assessment is appropriate, and what action plan to follow if breathing worsens.