What should you know about a spirometer diagnostic test?

You breathe through a mouthpiece while the device records how much air you move and how quickly you move it. The technician may coach several breaths and forceful exhalations. Results are considered with your history, examination, height, symptoms, medicines, and effort; one reading is not interpreted in isolation.

Wear clothing that lets your chest move freely and tell the testing team about recent illness, chest pain, fainting, or an operation. Ask whether inhalers should be paused; never stop one without instructions. Use a close seal and expect that coughing or poor technique may require repetition.

Tell staff straight away about chest pain, severe breathlessness, faintness, or wheezing that does not settle. Outside the appointment, seek emergency help for sudden severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, confusion, or chest pressure.

Ask what your device is designed to show, how often to use it, whether medicines affect testing, and which change in breathing should prompt a call.