Understanding Spirometry results

Overview

Spirometry is a common breathing test that measures how much air you can breathe out and how fast you can exhale. It helps doctors check how well your lungs are working.

Spirometry is a very common test used worldwide to diagnose and monitor lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis.

Anyone with breathing symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, or a long-term cough might be referred for spirometry. It is used for people of all ages, including children and older adults.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
• Ongoing cough that does not go away
• Chest tightness
• Frequent chest infections or colds that settle in the chest

Symptoms in children

• Wheezing after exercise or at night
• Coughing a lot, especially during play or sleep
• Tiring easily during physical activities
• Rapid breathing

Symptoms in older adults

• Increased breathlessness during everyday tasks
• Chronic cough with mucus
• Frequent chest infections
• Fatigue and reduced ability to keep up with normal activities

Causes

Main causes

• Lung diseases such as asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis affect how well you can breathe out.
• Spirometry helps tell the difference between obstructive and restrictive lung problems.
• Results can also be affected by other conditions like heart failure or chest wall problems.

Risk factors

• Smoking or long-term exposure to second-hand smoke
• Workplace exposure to dust, chemicals, or fumes
• Being over 40 years old
• Having a family history of lung disease
• Recurrent lung infections in childhood

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Sudden worsening of breathing that does not get better with your usual medication
• Chest pain or feeling that your heart is racing alongside breathing trouble
• Coughing up blood

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have a long-term cough or wheeze that lasts more than three weeks
• You often get breathless during activities that used to be easy
• Your doctor has suggested spirometry to check for a lung condition or monitor an existing one

Diagnosis

A spirometry test is performed by a trained healthcare professional, often a nurse or respiratory technician, in a clinic or hospital lung function lab.

Tests that may be done

• Spirometry (the main test)
• Reversibility test: spirometry is repeated after you inhale a bronchodilator (a medication that opens your airways) to see if your breathing improves
• Peak flow measurement: you blow into a small handheld device to measure how fast you can breathe out

What to expect at your appointment

You will be seated comfortably and asked to wear a nose clip so air does not escape. You take a deep breath, put your lips tightly around a tube, and blow out as hard and fast as you can. You will repeat this several times to get the best result. The test may feel tiring but is not painful.

Treatment

Treatment depends on what the spirometry results show. It focuses on managing the underlying lung condition, relieving symptoms, and preventing flare-ups.

Self-care at home

• Stop smoking and avoid lung irritants like dust, fumes, and strong chemicals
• Use your inhalers exactly as prescribed, and know how to use a spacer if recommended
• Keep a peak flow diary if advised by your doctor
• Stay up to date with annual flu and pneumonia vaccines

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe inhalers (bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory medications) to open the airways and reduce swelling. For some conditions, oral medications, oxygen therapy, or pulmonary rehabilitation (a programme of exercise and education) may be recommended. The specific plan will be tailored to your spirometry results and overall health.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not common for most lung conditions. In severe cases of COPD or pulmonary fibrosis, lung volume reduction surgery or lung transplantation might be considered, but this is only after many other treatments have been tried.

Living with this condition

Understanding your spirometry results helps you and your doctor track how your lungs are doing over time. You can learn to recognise early signs of a flare-up and take action early.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke
• Use a peak flow meter at home if your doctor suggests it
• Follow a lung-friendly environment: keep windows open for fresh air, avoid strong perfumes or cleaning sprays
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques like deep breathing or gentle yoga

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports your immune system. Regular gentle exercise like walking, cycling, or swimming can strengthen your breathing muscles. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a lung condition can cause worry or sadness, especially if you feel breathless often. It is normal to feel this way. Talk to your healthcare team or a counsellor who understands chronic illness.

Prevention

While some lung conditions cannot be prevented, you can lower your risk by not smoking, avoiding lung irritants, and treating chest infections early. Spirometry itself is a test – it does not prevent disease but helps catch problems early.

Vaccines

Flu and pneumonia vaccines are recommended for people with lung conditions to prevent infections that could make breathing worse.

Screening programmes

Spirometry is often used as a screening test if you have a history of smoking or have breathing symptoms. Early detection can lead to better outcomes.

Complications

If left untreated

• Worsening shortness of breath that limits daily activities
• Repeated lung infections
• Progressive loss of lung function
• Hospital stays due to flare-ups

Long-term outlook

Most people with lung conditions can lead active lives with proper management. Spirometry helps you and your doctor keep your lungs as healthy as possible. The results guide treatment so you can breathe easier and stay well.

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