What should you know about respiratory spirometer?

During spirometry, you breathe into a mouthpiece connected to the spirometer. The device records the volume of air exhaled and the speed of exhalation. These measurements can show whether airflow is limited and help clinicians assess symptoms such as wheeze or breathlessness. A result is interpreted alongside your symptoms, examination, age, height, and medical history; the device does not provide a diagnosis by itself.

Follow the clinic’s instructions about inhalers, smoking, meals, and strenuous activity before the appointment. Wear comfortable clothing and tell the clinician if you have chest pain, feel unwell, or recently had surgery or an infection. For each attempt, sit or stand as instructed, seal your lips around the mouthpiece, inhale fully, then blow out hard and steadily until told to stop. Several attempts may be needed for a reliable reading.

Spirometry is usually planned rather than an emergency test. Seek urgent medical help for severe breathlessness at rest, blue lips, fainting, chest pain, or inability to speak comfortably. Contact the testing clinic if coughing, dizziness, or chest discomfort persists after the appointment. Ask whether your medicines should be restarted or adjusted after testing; do not change them independently.

Ask what the test is intended to clarify, whether any inhaler should be paused, how many attempts are expected, and when results will be explained. You can also ask what other tests may be considered if your symptoms and spirometry do not match.