Please bear with us whilst we train some new nurses – we will be able to offer spirometry tests as soon as the team are upskilled

Spirometry (measuring the lung capacity) is the most important test to diagnose and monitor Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

COPD causes narrowing of the bronchial tubes (or airways), resulting in shortness of breath. The greater the narrowing, the more difficult breathing becomes.

Spirometry is a test which measures exactly how much the bronchial tubes have narrowed.  The spirometer measures the speed your lungs can be filled and emptied of air, giving an indication of how well your lungs are performing. This enables your doctor to make decisions about your lung condition and to plan the best treatment for you.

Further spirometry tests later on can help decide whether treatments should be continued, changed, or are no longer needed. What happens?

 

How to have a Spirometry Test

This test is carried out by our fully certified Spirometry nurse.

Having a spirometry test is straightforward. It may occasionally be tiring and make you feel a bit puffed, but usually it is not uncomfortable. The test involves taking a full breath in and blowing out with your best effort into a tube attached to the spirometer machine. Various measurements will indicate how your lungs are working.

The test is performed whilst seated and usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. It is sometimes carried out before and after inhaling a reliever drug such as Ventolin or Bricanyl to measure the effect of these drugs. In this case, your doctor may ask you not to take your usual reliever medication for a few hours prior to the test.

Our fully certified nurse will be able to answer all your questions and book any follow up appointments needed by your GP.