
exhale as quickly and forcefully as you can, making sure you empty your lungs fully.close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.inhale fully, so your lungs are completely filled with air.When you're ready for the test, you'll be asked to: The tester will explain what you need to do, and you may be asked to have a few practise attempts first.ĭuring spirometry, you’ll be asked to take a deep breath and blow into a small tube (spirometer). You'll be seated during the test and a soft clip will be placed on your nose to stop air escaping from it. It's best to wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of the test. You should also avoid smoking for 24 hours before the test, and avoid drinking alcohol, strenuous exercise or eating large meals for a few hours beforehand. If you use bronchodilators (medicines, usually inhaled, that help relax and widen your airways), you may need to stop using it beforehand. You'll be told about anything you need to do to prepare for the test. Spirometry is also a standard test for people being considered for surgery, or to check the general health of people who have other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. If you've already been diagnosed with 1 of these conditions, spirometry may be carried out to check the severity of the condition or see how you're responding to treatment. pulmonary fibrosis – scarring of the lungs.cystic fibrosis – a genetic condition where the lungs and digestive system become clogged with thick, sticky mucus.chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – a group of lung conditions where the airways become narrowed.asthma – a long-term condition where the airways become periodically inflamed (swollen) and narrowed.Spirometry can be used to help diagnose a lung condition if you have symptoms, or if your doctor feels you're at an increased risk of developing a particular lung condition.įor example, spirometry may be recommended if you have a persistent cough or breathlessness, or if you're over 35 and smoke.Ĭonditions that can be picked up and monitored using spirometry include: Spirometry may be performed by a nurse or doctor at your GP surgery, or it may be carried out during a short visit to a hospital or clinic. It's carried out using a device called a spirometer, which is a small machine attached by a cable to a mouthpiece.

Spirometry is a simple test used to help diagnose and monitor certain lung conditions by measuring how much air you can breathe out in one forced breath.
