What should you know about spirometry with bronchodilator?

You breathe into a spirometer through a mouthpiece. The test records measures such as the volume you can force out and the speed of that breath. A bronchodilator is inhaled between test rounds; the second set of readings is compared with the first. A change can support a pattern of reversible airway narrowing, while a smaller change may suggest that other factors need consideration. The result is interpreted alongside your symptoms, examination, age, height, and medical history. Spirometry can help assess conditions such as Asthma, COPD, and Bronchiectasis, but it does not by itself establish every diagnosis.

Follow the clinic's instructions about inhalers, because some medicines may need to be paused for a specified period and others should be continued. Wear comfortable clothing and avoid a heavy meal, vigorous exercise, and smoking shortly before the appointment if your clinician advises this. Tell the tester if you feel unwell, have chest pain, or recently had surgery or a heart problem. During each effort, make a tight seal around the mouthpiece and keep blowing until asked to stop. You may feel briefly light-headed or notice coughing; tell the tester so you can rest safely. You may be asked to bring your inhalers and a list of medicines.

Contact the testing service before attending if your breathing has suddenly worsened, you have a chest infection, or you are struggling to speak in full sentences. Seek urgent medical help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, fainting, new chest pressure, confusion, or symptoms that do not settle with your prescribed reliever plan. A test can cause temporary cough or tightness, but persistent or worsening breathing trouble after the appointment needs prompt assessment.

Ask which medicines to stop or take before testing, whether you should bring your inhaler, what each reading means, and when your results will be reviewed. You can also ask whether Inhaler Therapy, smoking support such as Smoking Cessation Programme, or another assessment is appropriate for your symptoms.