Spirometry made easy: what to expect

You breathe into a mouthpiece connected to a spirometer. The device records airflow and the volume of air moved during a strong breath out. Several attempts help the clinician check that the tracing is consistent and that you have given your best effort.

The pattern can support assessment of conditions such as asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis, or a persistent cough. A result is interpreted alongside your symptoms, examination, age, height, smoking history, and medicines; one reading does not provide a diagnosis by itself.

Wear comfortable clothing and follow the clinic's instructions about inhalers, smoking, meals, and strenuous exercise before testing. Tell the clinician if you are unwell, have chest pain, recently had surgery, or feel unable to blow forcefully.

During each attempt, sit upright, seal your lips around the mouthpiece, inhale fully, and blow out hard and continuously until told to stop. Feeling briefly light-headed or tired can happen; pause and report it rather than forcing another attempt.

Seek urgent medical help for severe breathlessness at rest, blue or grey lips, fainting, new confusion, or chest pain that is severe or persistent. Contact a clinician promptly if cough, wheeze, or breathlessness is worsening or limiting ordinary activity.

Ask what the measurements show, whether your technique affected the result, whether you need testing after a reliever medicine, and when the findings will be reviewed. You can also ask how to use your inhaler correctly and what symptoms should prompt a reassessment.