Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Spirometer Open pop-up dialog box Close. Spirometer A spirometer is a diagnostic device that measures the amount of air you're able to breathe in and out and the time it takes you to exhale completely after you take a deep breath. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Mason RJ, et al. Pulmonary function testing. Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed May 2, Pulmonary function tests. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Section Menu.
What to Expect On the day of the test, you may be asked to not use certain inhalers or medications. When performing the test, keep the following in mind: You should take your daily medications prior to testing unless told otherwise. Do not smoke for at least six hours prior to testing. If you are taking a short-acting inhaler that is used only as needed, do not use for six to eight hours prior to testing, if possible.
Your doctor may give you other instructions regarding medications. Understanding the Results and What Happens Next Spirometry will give your doctor information about why you may have a cough, shortness of breath, or noisy breathing and help diagnose certain lung problems.
Be sure to ask if you have any questions before the test is started. Make a Donation Your tax-deductible donation funds lung disease and lung cancer research, new treatments, lung health education, and more. Make a Donation.
Sign Up for Email Updates Join over , people who receive the latest news about lung health, including COVID, research, air quality, inspiring stories and resources. Please enter a valid email address. Zip Code. Most people are able to have a spirometry test safely. But the test increases the pressure inside your head, chest, stomach and eyes as you breathe out, so it may need to be delayed or avoided if you have a condition that could be made worse by this.
For example, spirometry may not be safe if you have, or have recently had, unstable angina , a heart attack , uncontrolled high blood pressure , or an operation to your head, chest, stomach or eyes.
Page last reviewed: 18 August Next review due: 18 August 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.
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.
Preparing for the test You'll be told about anything you need to do to prepare for the test. What happens 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. Tell us what you think Your feedback will help us improve the information we provide to patients and caregivers.
What could we have explained better? Leave this field blank. Last Updated Thursday, June 27, If you have any questions, contact a member of your healthcare team directly. If you're a patient at MSK and you need to reach a provider after pm , during the weekend, or on a holiday, call
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