Which specialist performs spirometry?

Spirometry measures how much air you breathe out and how quickly you can exhale. A nurse, respiratory technician, or other trained healthcare professional may coach you through the test. You usually breathe into a mouthpiece, seal your lips around it, and follow instructions for a deep breath followed by a forceful exhalation. The clinician reviews the tracing with your symptoms, examination, and medical history. In some situations, the test is repeated after an inhaled medicine to compare airflow.

Ask the clinic whether to pause any inhalers or medicines before the appointment; do not stop prescribed treatment without clear instructions. Wear comfortable clothing and avoid a heavy meal immediately beforehand if it makes forceful breathing difficult. Tell the team if you are unwell, have recently had chest surgery, or feel dizzy during breathing tests. Good effort and accurate coaching affect the usefulness of the recording, so tell the tester if coughing, chest discomfort, or anxiety prevents you from completing a manoeuvre.

Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, chest pain, fainting, or confusion. Contact the clinic before testing if you have a new fever, significant respiratory infection, or rapidly worsening breathing. A clinician may decide that the test should wait until it is safer or more likely to reflect your usual breathing.

Ask what the test is checking, whether you should alter inhalers beforehand, and how many breathing attempts may be needed. Ask who will interpret the result, when it will be discussed, and whether additional testing is needed if the measurement does not match your symptoms.