Spirometry
A Breathing Test to Check Your Lung Function
Spirometry is a simple breathing test that measures how much air you can breathe in and out, and how fast you can push it out. You breathe into a mouthpiece connected to a device called a spirometer, which records the results. The test is safe, non-invasive, and takes about 15–30 minutes. It's one of the best ways for your doctor to understand how well your lungs are working.
Why did my doctor order Spirometry?
Your doctor may have ordered this test to:
Diagnose a breathing condition such as asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), or another lung disease
Find out what is causing shortness of breath, chronic cough, or wheezing
Monitor a known lung condition and track how it changes over time
Evaluate how well your lung medications are working
Check lung function before surgery
Screen for lung disease if you have a history of smoking, occupational exposures (dust, chemicals, fumes), or a family history of lung problems
What to Expect
You will be seated in a chair for the test. Here is what happens:
A soft clip will be placed on your nose to prevent air from escaping through your nostrils.
You will be given a clean, disposable mouthpiece to breathe through.
The technician will guide you through each breathing effort, coaching you when to breathe in, when to blow out, and how hard to blow.
You will take a deep breath in — as full as possible — then blast the air out as hard and as fast as you can, like blowing out birthday candles, for at least 6 seconds.
You will typically repeat this effort 3 or more times to ensure consistent, reliable results.
Expect effort: Spirometry requires you to breathe as hard as you can. It can feel tiring, and some patients feel briefly lightheaded or short of breath during or after — this is normal and passes quickly. Rest as long as you need between efforts.
Some patients may also be given a bronchodilator (a fast-acting inhaler) after the initial test and asked to repeat the breathing efforts 10–15 minutes later. This helps determine if your airways respond to the medication — an important piece of information for diagnosis.
Common Questions
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Avoid a large meal, caffeine, and smoking in the hours before your test. Your doctor may ask you to hold certain inhaler medications beforehand — always follow the specific instructions you're given, and don't stop any medication without checking with us first.
Yes. Some people feel briefly lightheaded after the effort — this is normal and passes quickly. Just let the technician know if you need a moment to rest between breaths.
Spirometry can help diagnose conditions like asthma or COPD, track how a lung condition changes over time, and show whether your medications are helping. Your doctor will explain what your numbers mean.
Your care team will typically review results with you the same day or reach out within a few days with findings and any recommended next steps.
We're glad to help you get answers.
Breathing well is so important to how you feel every day.
Questions? Give us a call — we're happy to help.