What should you know about spirometry equipment?

A spirometer detects air moving through a mouthpiece and turns that movement into breathing measurements. The display or connected software can show results such as the amount exhaled and the force of the breath over time. A nose clip may be used to keep air from escaping through your nose. Equipment should be checked and maintained by the service so readings remain dependable.

Sit or stand as instructed, keep the mouthpiece between your teeth, and make a firm seal with your lips. Follow the technician's coaching rather than taking several small breaths into the device. Tell them if a mouthpiece is uncomfortable, you use dentures, or you feel unwell. Bring a list of medicines and any requested inhalers, because treatment instructions can affect how the appointment is arranged.

Equipment cannot treat an attack or replace medical assessment. Seek urgent help if breathlessness becomes severe, you cannot speak normally, you feel faint, or your lips look blue or grey. Arrange clinical advice for new or worsening wheeze, chest tightness, or a cough that is interfering with sleep or daily activity.

Ask whether the device will be used before and after a reliever medicine, how quality checks are handled, what your result means, and how the findings fit with conditions such as asthma or COPD.