What does spirometry treat?
Short answer
Spirometry does not treat a condition; it measures how much air you can breathe out and how quickly, helping clinicians assess lung problems and plan care.
This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.
At a glance
- What it measures
- Air volume and how quickly you breathe it out
- What it is not
- A treatment that cures or relieves breathing problems
What spirometry is for
Spirometry is a lung function test performed with a [spirometer](/technology/spirometer/). You breathe into a mouthpiece and follow instructions to take a full breath in and blow out forcefully. The results help show whether airflow is limited and whether the pattern may fit conditions such as [Asthma](/conditions/asthma/), [COPD](/conditions/copd/), [Bronchiectasis](/conditions/bronchiectasis/), or [Chronic Cough](/conditions/chronic-cough/). It can support diagnosis, assess symptoms, and monitor how breathing changes over time.
The test itself does not open the airways or remove inflammation. Depending on the findings, a clinician may discuss treatments such as [Inhaler Therapy](/treatments/medical-management/inhaler-therapy/) or support to stop smoking through a [Smoking Cessation Programme](/treatments/lifestyle-and-wellness/smoking-cessation-programme/). A result is interpreted alongside your symptoms and examination.
Preparing for the test
Ask the clinic whether you should change any inhalers or other medicines before the appointment; do not stop prescribed treatment without instructions. Wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict your chest, avoid a heavy meal immediately beforehand, and tell the tester if you feel unwell. During the test, make a firm seal around the mouthpiece and follow each breathing instruction. You may be asked to repeat the manoeuvre so the readings can be compared.
When to seek care
Contact a clinician if breathlessness, wheezing, chest tightness, or a cough is new, persistent, or interfering with daily activity. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, or inability to speak in full sentences. If symptoms become uncomfortable during spirometry, tell the tester immediately so the test can be paused and your breathing checked.
Questions for your doctor
Why has spirometry been recommended for me? Should I change any inhaler before the appointment? What will the result add to my assessment? If airflow is restricted, what treatment or follow-up might be considered?
Find care
General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi
That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.
27 Ar Ruwwad St - Shakhbout City - MSH4 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, MetLife +20 more
Al Ruwais, Al Dhafrah
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +16 more
Al Bahyah - Al Bahyah Old - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, Allianz Care +18 more
Abu Dhabi
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +27 more
Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.
A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.
Questions people ask
Can spirometry diagnose asthma by itself?
It can provide useful evidence, but clinicians interpret the result with symptoms, examination, and sometimes other assessments.
Is spirometry painful?
The test is not usually painful, although forceful blowing can briefly cause tiredness, coughing, or light-headedness.
Related
Related reading
Keep reading
Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.