Spirometry is a thorough test of the function of breathing.

A machine is used to check a number of lung measurements. All of the tests involve nothing more complex than taking a deep breath and blowing as hard and as fast and as long as you can into a plastic tube. Sometimes we will ask you to repeat the test after inhaling some salbutamol (Asthma blue inhaler).

It is important that you try your hardest during the test, even if you feel a bit silly - the results and how we use them do depend on assuming you give it your best effort.

Spirometry is used to check to see:

If you might have asthma
If you might have obstructive lung diseases like emphysema and COPD.
If your treatment for asthma is working
If you are deteriorating faster than expected
Whether any shortness of breath might be more likely due to lung disease or heart disease.

Spirometry tests are performed by our nursing staff and generally require a medical consultation afterwards to discuss the results.

They take between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on whether or not you need to trial an inhaler during the test.

IMPORTANT - some inhalers interfere with the test results so if you are taking any inhaled medication, please check with our staff if you should take it on the day of your test or not.