Spiro spirometer: what to know

A spirometer is a measuring device connected to a mouthpiece. It records aspects of airflow and the amount of air moved when you breathe in and out. A clinician uses the results to explore symptoms such as persistent cough, wheezing, or breathlessness and to monitor some lung conditions.

During spirometry, you sit upright and follow instructions to breathe normally, take a deep breath, and blow out with a strong, sustained effort. The test depends on a good seal around the mouthpiece and careful coaching. Results are interpreted with your age, symptoms, examination, medicines, and medical history.

Wear comfortable clothing and avoid a large meal shortly before the appointment. Follow the clinic's advice about inhalers, smoking, and exercise, and tell the team about recent illness, chest pain, surgery, or difficulty giving a forceful breath.

During the test, follow each instruction and tell the operator if you feel dizzy, uncomfortable, or unable to continue. Several efforts may be needed. Do not interpret a device display on your own; ask the clinician to explain what the pattern means and whether further assessment is needed.

Seek urgent help for sudden severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, confusion, collapse, or chest pain that does not settle. Contact a clinician for worsening or persistent breathlessness, repeated wheeze, coughing blood, or a noticeable fall in your usual exercise tolerance.

Ask which breathing test is planned, whether any medicine should be withheld beforehand, and how the findings may affect your care. Ask what symptoms should prompt an earlier review and whether a repeat test is useful if you were unwell on the day.