What to expect from spirometry for COPD

During COPD assessment, spirometry measures the volume and speed of air you can forcefully breathe out after taking a full breath. You remain seated and breathe through a mouthpiece connected to the device; a nose clip may be used. The technician coaches you to inhale fully, then exhale hard and keep going until your lungs are emptied as much as possible. You may repeat the effort and sometimes test again after a reliever.

COPD can limit airflow because the airways become narrowed and the lungs may lose some elasticity. Spirometry helps identify persistent airflow obstruction and describes its effect on breathing. It does not measure fitness, oxygen level or every aspect of lung health. A clinician considers the result with smoking or exposure history, cough, phlegm, breathlessness, chest examination and other tests before discussing what it means for you.

Follow the clinic's instructions about inhalers, smoking, meals and strenuous activity before the appointment. Never stop regular medicines unless the prescriber or testing team tells you to. Wear loose clothing and report a recent infection, chest pain, fainting, or recent eye, chest or abdominal surgery. Forceful exhalation can cause temporary cough or dizziness, so ask for a pause and recover at your usual pace.

Call emergency services for severe breathlessness, inability to speak in full phrases, blue or grey lips, confusion, or sudden chest pain. Seek prompt medical advice if breathlessness rapidly worsens, fever develops with a change in phlegm, or your usual inhaler is not helping. A routine spirometry appointment should not delay care for a sudden deterioration.

Ask whether your medicines need different timing, whether the readings support COPD, and which treatments could improve symptoms or protect lung function. Ask how to recognise a flare-up, what action plan to follow, and when the result will be discussed.