Spirometry Test

There are many different reasons to get a lung function test.  Some of the common reasons include:

• To diagnose the cause of a cough or shortness of breath
• To evaluate and monitor lung conditions like asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• As a general check-up for lung health especially if you have had exposure to cigarette smoke or other hazardous chemicals
• Perioperative testing – to assess your breathing before a major operation

You will be required to breathe into a mouthpiece, which is connected to a machine via some tubing. The technician will direct you to breathe in and out as deeply as possible, and then as fast and as forcefully as possible.

The test may make you feel temporarily short of breath.

The Lung function test is a non-invasive procedure.  To achieve accurate results, the test requires maximum effort from you to breathe in and out, which means you may feel tired after testing.

Very rarely, spirometry can cause breathing problems. These are easily treated with an inhaled bronchodilator to open the airways. This test shouldn’t be done if there is a history of angina, a recent history of surgery eye injuries or serious heart disease.

Please contact us if you have any concerns or advice.

(Approximately 30 minutes duration)

Please avoid the following;

• Avoid drinking beverages containing caffeine 3 hours before your test (including Tea/Coffee/Cola/Energy drinks)
• Avoid a heavy meal for at least 3 hours before your test.
• Avoid smoking 3 hours before the test.
• Avoid strenuous exercise 3 hours before the test
• Avoid taking the following medication;
  • Ventolin, Asmol, Bricanyl, Bretaris, Brezhaer for 4 hours prior to test
  • Spiriva, Atrovent, and Onbrez for 6 hours
  • Pulmicort, Serevent, Symbicort, Seretide, Flixotide, Oxis, Alvesco, Salmeterol, Beclomethasone, Flutiform, Breo – Ellipta for 12 hours before the test.

We suggest wearing loose clothing as tight clothing may restrict your breathing.

Please remember to keep your dentures in, wearing them to the test will make sure your mouth can fit tightly around the mouthpiece.

Please bring any medications especially any respiratory inhalers (puffers) with you to your appointment. This may be required for testing the effectiveness of your current medication.

The results of the test will be made available to your referring health provider.