Spirometry
Spirometry is a simple, non-invasive breathing test that measures how much air you can breathe out and how quickly you can do it. It is commonly used to assess lung function and help healthcare professionals diagnose and monitor respiratory conditions.
What Does Spirometry Measure?
During the test, you breathe into a device called a spirometer. The device records important measurements, including:
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC): The total amount of air you can forcefully breathe out after taking a deep breath.
Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV₁): The amount of air you can forcefully breathe out in the first second.
FEV₁/FVC Ratio: The proportion of your total exhaled air that is expelled during the first second.
These measurements help healthcare professionals determine whether airflow through the lungs is normal or restricted.
Why Is Spirometry Done?
Spirometry may be recommended to:
Investigate symptoms such as persistent cough, wheezing or shortness of breath.
Help diagnose conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Monitor an existing lung condition.
Assess how well treatment is working.
Evaluate lung function before certain medical procedures or occupational exposures.
What Happens During The Test?
You will normally sit upright and breathe through a mouthpiece connected to the spirometer. A healthcare professional will guide you to take a deep breath and then breathe out as forcefully and completely as possible.
The manoeuvre may be repeated several times to obtain reliable measurements. In some cases, the test may be repeated after using a bronchodilator medication to see whether airflow improves.
Is Spirometry Safe?
Spirometry is generally safe and does not require needles or invasive procedures. Because the test involves forceful breathing, some people may experience temporary dizziness, coughing or shortness of breath. These effects usually settle quickly.
How Should You Prepare?
Your healthcare provider may give you specific instructions before the test. Depending on the purpose of the examination, you may be asked to avoid smoking, strenuous exercise or certain inhaled medications for a specified period beforehand.
Spirometry should be performed and interpreted by appropriately trained healthcare professionals, with the results considered alongside your symptoms, medical history and other clinical findings.
