Spirometry Appointments

Patient Information Leaflet: Attending Spirometry Appointments

You have been asked to attend a nurse appointment to test your lung function.  This will give the doctor more information about the diagnosis and best treatment for your chest.

What to Expect

You will be asked to blow at least three times into a tube connected to a machine.  This records your lung function.  You will be asked to breathe in to fill up your lungs and then blow as hard and long as possible.  You may be given an inhaler and the test will be repeated depending on the reason for your test.  It will take from 30 min to 60 mins.

Important Information for best possible results

Avoid smoking for 24 hours

Avoid Alcohol for 4 hours

Avoid heavy meals for 2 hours

Do not wear tight/restrictive clothing and avoid heavy exercise for 30 minutes

You may need to stop your inhalers before the test as below:

Avoid taking your SHORT ACTING RELIEVER inhaler for 4 hours before the test:

• Salbutamol, Ventolin, Salamol, Terbutaline, Bricanyl, Ipatropium, Atrovent, Combivent

Avoid taking your LONG ACTING/COMBINATION RELIEVER for 8 hours before test:

• Salmeterol, Fostair, Symbicort, Seretide, Relvar Ellipta, Flutiform

Avoid taking your LONG ACTING RELIEVER for 24 hours before the test:

• Spiriva, Eklira Genuair, Incruse Ellipta, Duakir, Anoro, Spioloto

YOU CAN CONTINUE ON YOUR BROWN/RED/ORANGE INHALER

• Clenil, Qvar, Budesonide, Pulmicort, Flixotide

REASONS WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PERFORM THE TEST – PLEASE REARRANGE

• Abdominal surgery or eye surgery within 6 weeks
• Chest infection requiring antibiotics or steroids within 6 weeks
• Stroke/Heart Attack or uncontrolled high Blood Pressure within 4 weeks
• Active infection on the day of the test