Spirometry is a test that measures breathing function. Administered by a medical provider, this brief exam evaluates how much air you inhale and exhale, as well as the rate at which it leaves and enters the lungs. Below, learn more about how this test is helpful and what to expect during it.

When This Is Helpful

With spirometry, a medical provider can diagnose breathing conditions and the sources of breathing difficulties. Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and emphysema are just a few of the life-long lung conditions that the test detects.

If you’ve already been diagnosed, spirometry may be used periodically to monitor your health, assess the effectiveness of your medications, and track the progression or regression of your illness. Since spirometry is both reliable and noninvasive, it is often one of the first tests performed if a patient visits their medical provider for coughing, shortness of breath, or wheezing.

What to Expect

Before the test, you will be asked to refrain from smoking for several hours, and your provider may suggest eliminating or minimizing the use of short-acting inhalers. On the day of, wear loose clothing that doesn't restrict your breathing.

During the appointment, you will be in a seated position with a clip placed on your nose. The provider will ask you to take several deep, hard breaths into a plastic device. In most cases, the exam will be administered three times in a single session to pinpoint patterns. In total, this should take no more than 15 to 20 minutes.

If you're experiencing breathing difficulty, spirometry is a helpful first step in identifying the cause of the problem. It is one of the tests offered by the medical providers at Hillside Family Medicine. They have more than 20 years of experience serving patients throughout the Anchorage, AK, area. Their team provides family and occupational medicine, women's and men's health, and pediatric care services. Call (907) 344-0200 to schedule an appointment or visit them online to learn more about their occupational medicine procedures.