Lung Function Evaluation: What to Expect During Spirometry Testing

Spirometry is a simple test with a simple goal: measure how much air you can inhale and exhale and how quickly you can empty your lungs during the exhale.

Our specialty team at Allergy A.R.T.S. in Amarillo, Texas, uses information gained during spirometry to diagnose and monitor conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory disorders.

Here’s our professional insight about spirometry, what to expect, and why it’s essential.

Why would you need spirometry testing?

There are several reasons why your Allergy A.R.T.S. specialist might suggest spirometry testing:

Diagnosing lung conditions

If you have symptoms like shortness of breath, chronic cough, wheezing, or chest tightness, spirometry can help determine whether you have a lung disease such as asthma or COPD.

Monitoring existing conditions

If you’ve already been diagnosed with a lung condition, spirometry helps track your lung function over time and assesses whether your current treatment plan is effective.

For instance, spirometry can help determine whether the treatment improves your lung function if you take medications for a lung condition. If not, we can make changes that can help you breathe better as it protects your respiratory health.

Assessing lung function before surgery

You may benefit from spirometry testing before surgery to ensure your lungs are functioning well enough to handle anesthesia and the recovery process.

What to expect during a spirometry test

The spirometry test itself is quick and straightforward. Here’s what you can expect:

Preparation

Your provider may ask you to avoid certain medications or smoking before the test. We also recommend wearing loose-fitting clothing to help you breathe easier.

Procedure

While seated, you’ll take a deep breath, expand your lungs as fully as possible, and then exhale forcefully and quickly into a mouthpiece connected to the spirometer.

The machine measures the air flow, providing essential information about your lung capacity with a deep inhale and how much air you can force from your lungs in one second.

We may repeat this step multiple times to ensure accurate readings. The goal is to exhale as much air as possible very quickly. This often feels unusual and may require a practice run (or two) since we tend to breathe more shallowly and slowly most of the time.

Tips:

Avoid eating a heavy meal before the test since this can interfere with lung expansion.
Sit up as straight as possible during testing since this allows your lungs to expand fully.
Prep your lungs for the test by taking one or two deep inhales and exhales before we start measuring.

Short-acting bronchodilator

Your provider may ask you to use a short-acting bronchodilator (i.e., rescue inhaler) and repeat the test after about 15 minutes to see how your lungs respond to the medication.

Results and interpretation

Your Allergy A.R.T.S. specialist then reviews your recorded test results and may make a diagnosis, prescribe treatment, request further testing, or adjust your current treatment strategy, depending on the reason for the test.

Is spirometry testing safe?

Spirometry is generally safe, but the required deep, forceful breathing can cause temporary dizziness, shortness of breath, or coughing. These effects are usually mild and resolve quickly.

However, if you have a severe lung or heart condition, your doctor will determine if the test is appropriate for you.

Schedule a visit at Allergy A.R.T.S. today for top-level, patient-focused care tailored to your needs.