Spirometry
What happens during the test?
- You will be asked several questions (listed below) that will be used to determine what ‘normal’ lung values would be for you if your lungs were healthy.
- Age: lung function declines with age
- Height: taller people have larger lungs
- Sex: women have smaller lung volumes
- Race: African American's and Asian's generally have smaller lung volumes.
- You will be asked to sit up straight and uncross your legs or to stand up
- Often you will have a nose plug placed on your nose.
- You will be instructed to:
- Take in a big breath.
- Place the mouthpiece into your mouth and seal your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.
- Blast your air into the mouthpiece as hard and fast as you can, squeezing out all the air in your lungs.
- Keep on blowing out the same breath until you are told to stop.
- To make sure you understand the directions ask the technician to demonstrate the procedure.
- The test will be repeated several time to make sure that the measurements are correct.
- The spirometry may be repeated after you receive a bronchodilator inhaler or nebulizer.
Reviewed 9-11-06
Updated 09-11-06