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Spirometry is a common breathing test used to measure how much air you can breathe in and out, and how quickly. It helps diagnose and monitor conditions such as asthma and COPD by assessing how well your lungs are working.
Evidence checked against current HSE guidance for Spirometry, covering the article's core clinical information and relevant assessment, management or safety considerations.
Public health education article
Self-care advice — Your GP or respiratory team will explain any specific preparation needed before your spirometry test.
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Spirometry is a common breathing test used to measure how much air you can breathe in and out, and how quickly. It helps diagnose and monitor conditions such as asthma and COPD by assessing how well your lungs are working.
Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
Your doctor has recommended spirometry to help diagnose a breathing condition
Spirometry is a common breathing test used to measure how much air you can breathe in and out, and how quickly. It helps diagnose and monitor conditions such as asthma and COPD by assessing how well your lungs are working.
The test involves breathing into a mouthpiece connected to a machine, taking a full breath in and then blowing out as hard and fast as possible. It's painless, though it can feel like hard work for a few seconds.
Your GP or respiratory team will explain any specific preparation needed before your spirometry test.
These measures can help ease symptoms, support recovery, and reduce the chance of things worsening — but they don't replace medical advice if symptoms are severe or persistent.
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BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
Spirometry is a quick, painless test that gives valuable information to help diagnose and monitor lung conditions accurately.
Following pre-test instructions, such as avoiding your usual inhaler beforehand if asked, helps ensure the most accurate results.