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 be recommended if you have a persistent Cough or breathlessness , or if you're over 35 and smoke.

Conditions that can be picked up and monitored using spirometry include:

• asthma a long-term condition in which the airways become periodically inflamed (swollen) and narrowed
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) agroup of lung conditions where the airways become narrowed
• cystic fibrosis a genetic condition in which the lungs and digestive system become clogged with thick, sticky mucus
• pulmonary fibrosis scarring of the lungs

If you've already been diagnosed with one of these conditions, spirometry may be carried out to check the severity of the condition or see how you're responding to treatment.

Spirometry is also a standard test for people who may be being considered for surgery, or to check the general health of people who have other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis .