What should you know about spirometer for breathing?

You normally sit upright, breathe in deeply, seal your lips around a mouthpiece, and blow out as hard and as long as instructed. The device displays measurements that describe lung volume and airflow. The test may be repeated so the clinician can check whether the effort was consistent; an inhaled medicine may also be used before another set of blows. These results help clinicians assess breathing problems, but they must be interpreted alongside your history and examination.

A spirometer does not measure every reason for breathlessness. Heart conditions, anaemia, infection, anxiety, and other problems may need different assessments, so a device reading alone cannot explain every symptom.

Wear comfortable clothing and follow the clinic's instructions about meals, smoking, exercise, and inhalers before the appointment. Tell the clinician about recent illness, chest pain, surgery, or medicines. During the test, follow the demonstrator's breathing cues and mention dizziness or discomfort. If you are tracking symptoms at home, note the time, activity, and any rescue medicine beside each reading.

Call emergency services for sudden severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, collapse, confusion, or an inability to speak comfortably. Seek same-day medical advice if breathing is worsening, wheezing is persistent, chest pain occurs, or your prescribed reliever is not helping as expected. Do not wait for a spirometer appointment when symptoms are severe.

You could ask: What do my airflow measurements show? Do I need the test repeated? Should I use my inhaler before testing? Which symptoms matter more than a home reading? What is the plan if my breathing changes?