What to expect from spirometry for bronchiectasis

Spirometry involves repeated strong breaths into a machine to measure airflow and lung volume during bronchiectasis assessment. A technician checks your position, places a clip over your nose if appropriate, and asks you to breathe through a mouthpiece. After a deep breath, you blow out forcefully until your lungs feel empty. Several attempts are usual because consistent effort helps the clinician interpret the tracing.

Bronchiectasis damages and widens parts of the airways, where mucus can collect. Spirometry describes how freely air moves, but it does not show the airway shape or mucus directly. Results may be normal or may show airflow limitation, depending on the extent of lung involvement and the day of testing. Clinicians read the result alongside cough, sputum, chest infections, examination findings and any imaging.

Wear clothing that allows your chest and abdomen to move freely, avoid a heavy meal immediately beforehand, and follow instructions about inhalers or other medicines. Do not stop prescribed treatment without checking first. Tell the technician about a recent chest infection, chest pain, fainting, or an operation, since these details can affect whether testing should proceed. You can usually return to normal activity after the appointment.

Get urgent help for severe breathlessness at rest, blue or grey lips, confusion, chest pain, or coughing up a substantial amount of blood. A marked change in sputum, fever with worsening breathing, or inability to keep fluids down also warrants prompt clinical advice. Do not wait for routine spirometry if your breathing is deteriorating or an infection feels more serious than usual.

Ask whether your current inhalers should be used before the test, what the result says about airflow, and whether mucus clearance treatment or imaging will also be considered. Ask how to recognise an exacerbation and whom to contact if your cough or sputum changes.