Spirometry machine

The device contains sensors linked to software that turns your breaths into measurements and graphs. It can record how much air you exhale and how quickly you reach that flow. The display may show a curve and several values for the clinician to review. A result can help investigate breathing problems, track a known condition or compare breathing before and after a reliever. The machine supports clinical judgement; it does not identify a diagnosis without your history and examination.

The operator explains the technique and may measure your height and other details needed to interpret the result. You will breathe through a disposable or cleaned mouthpiece, seal your lips, fill your lungs, then blow out as hard and as long as instructed. Tell the operator about inhalers, recent illness and any discomfort. See [Spirometer](/technology/spirometer/) for equipment context and [Spirometry](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/spirometry/) for the test overview.

During testing, report dizziness, chest pain or sudden worsening breathlessness immediately. Seek emergency care for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, fainting, confusion or inability to speak in full sentences. Do not wait for a machine reading if symptoms are severe. Ongoing symptoms deserve assessment, including possible [Asthma](/conditions/asthma/) or [COPD](/conditions/copd/), rather than self-interpreting a graph.

Ask what the displayed measurements mean for you, whether the test quality was adequate, and whether medication should be taken or paused before a repeat appointment. Ask when results will be discussed.