What should you know about spirometry flow volume pre post?

First, you perform coached breaths into a spirometer, producing a flow-volume loop that shows how air moves during inhalation and exhalation. You may then receive a reliever medicine and wait for the clinician's specified interval before repeating the manoeuvres. A change between the sets can provide a clue about reversible airflow limitation. The result is interpreted with your symptoms and examination; it does not by itself label every cause of breathlessness.

Follow instructions about withholding inhalers, and never alter regular treatment without guidance. Avoid a heavy meal immediately before the appointment if the service advises this, wear clothing that allows a full breath, and mention recent illness or chest surgery. Give each effort your best sustained exhalation, but stop and tell the clinician if you develop chest pain, marked dizziness, or distress.

Seek emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening breathing difficulty, fainting, blue or grey lips, confusion, or inability to speak comfortably. Contact your clinician about persistent wheeze, night-time breathlessness, or a cough that is worsening rather than waiting for a routine result review.

Ask which medicine was used, whether the pre- and post-test efforts were technically acceptable, what changed between the traces, and what further assessment or treatment follows.