When is spirometry recommended for COPD?

During spirometry, you breathe into a mouthpiece connected to a machine. The device records the amount of air you can exhale and the speed of that breath. These results help distinguish persistent airflow limitation from symptoms caused by other problems. A clinician may arrange testing when you have ongoing breathlessness, a long-lasting cough, wheeze, or relevant exposure to tobacco smoke, dust, or workplace fumes. The test can also support a review when symptoms change or treatment needs reassessment.

Follow the clinic's instructions about inhalers, smoking, meals, and strenuous activity before the appointment; do not stop prescribed medicine unless the clinician tells you to. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a list of medicines. You will usually sit upright, seal your lips around the mouthpiece, and take forceful breaths with coaching. Several attempts may be needed to obtain consistent readings. Tell the testing team if you feel dizzy, have chest pain, or cannot continue.

Spirometry is for assessment, not emergency treatment. Seek urgent medical help for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, or chest pain that is severe, new, or persistent. If your usual inhaler is not relieving a flare, contact urgent medical services rather than waiting for a scheduled lung test.

Ask what the test is intended to clarify, whether any inhaler should be withheld, how results will affect your treatment plan, and when you will discuss the findings. You can also ask how to recognise an exacerbation and which symptoms should prompt same-day help.