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. These are only conducted on Adults and will only be arranged with the appropriate clinician in the surgery if a GP has instructed a need for this to be done.
Below is the spirometry preparation and information sheet for all patients who are booked in these clinics. A spirometry test can only be done if the patient is fit and well and free from infection.
Spirometry prep and info sheet
Why spirometry is carried out
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.
For example, spirometry 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 where the airways become periodically inflamed (swollen) and narrowed
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – a group of lung conditions where the airways become narrowed
- cystic fibrosis – a genetic condition where the lungs and digestive system become clogged with thick, sticky mucus
- pulmonary fibrosis – scarring of the lungs
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.
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.