Spirometry
Your results
The person carrying out the testwon't usually be able to give you your results immediately. The results will need to belooked at by a specialist first, and will be sent to thedoctor who referred you for the test, who will discussthemwith you a few days later.
A spirometer measures the amount of air you can breathe out in one second and the total volume of air you can exhale in one forced breath. These measurements will be compared to a normal result for someone of your age, height and sex, which will help show if your lungs aren't working properly.
The measurements will also show whether any problem with your lungs is "obstructive", "restrictive", or a combination of the two.
- An obstructive airways disease is where your ability to breathe out quickly is affected by narrowing of the airways, but the amount of air you can hold in your lungs is normal such as in asthma or COPD.
- A restrictive lung disease is where the amount of air you can breathe in is reduced because your lungs are unable to fully expand such as in pulmonary fibrosis.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about what a spirometry test involves and why it's carried out.
Why spirometry is carried out
Spirometry can be used to help diagnose a lung condition if youhave symptoms of aproblem, oryour doctor feels you're at an increased risk of developing a particular lung condition. For example,it may
Preparing for the test
You'll be told about anything you need to do to prepare for the test. If you use bronchodilator medication (medicines, usually inhaled, that help relax and widen your airways), you may need to stop
Whathappens during a spirometry test
You'll be seated during the test and a soft clip will be placed on your nose to stop air escaping from it. The tester will explain what you need to do and you may be asked to have a few practice attem
Your results
The person carrying out the testwon't usually be able to give you your results immediately. The results will need to belooked at by a specialist first, and will be sent to thedoctor who referred you f
Are there any risks or side effects?
Spirometry is a straightforward test and is generally considered very safe. Some people mayfeel dizzy , faint, shaky, sick or tired for a short period afterwards. Most people are able to have a spiro
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