HOW YOU PREPARE

Your doctor may instruct you to not take inhaled breathing medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators, and certain other medications before the spirometry test. During the test, make sure you are not wearing tight clothes that make it difficult for you to breathe deeply and correctly. Also, do not consume a large meal that will make your stomach too full and also make breathing difficult.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

The initial spirometry test will last for 5 to 10 minutes. Then you will have to take bronchodilators to open your lungs again. This will take another 15 minutes, after which the test is repeated. The results from the two tests will measure the obstruction of the airways and the effectiveness of the bronchodilator in opening up the airways and aiding airflow.

Before taking the test, you will be instructed on how to undertake the test. Ask the nurse or technician questions about any part of the instructions you have not understood. During the test, you will have to exhale into a breathing tube connected to the spirometer. In order to achieve accurate results, the spirometry test will be repeated for at least 3 times.

This test is not suitable for children aged below 5 years.