Spirometry Test in Delhi | Pulmonary Function Test Specialist

Spirometry

Spirometry is a simple, quick, and non-invasive lung function test that helps to measures how well your lungs work.

It mainly assesses:

How much air a person can breathe in and out.
How fast you can exhale air with the help of your lungs

It is the most commonly used test to diagnose and monitor lung diseases such as asthma, COPD, and other obstructive or restrictive lung conditions.

Why is Spirometry Performed?

For diagnosing the lung conditions like asthma, chronic bronchitis, COPD, interstitial lung disease.
For monitoring progression of lung disease.
For assessing the treatment response (e.g., to inhalers).
Evaluating the lung function before surgery.
Monitor occupational exposure (dust, fumes, etc.).
Assess fitness for certain jobs (e.g., pilots, scuba divers).

Symptoms

Persistent cough
Breathlessness (especially on exertion)
Wheezing or noisy breathing
Chest tightness
Frequent chest infections
Difficulty breathing out completely

How to Prepare for the Test?

You should wear comfortable clothes for the test.
Avoid large meals just before of the test.
You should not smoke for at least 1 hour before the test is performed.
Avoid vigorous exercise for 30 minutes before.

Follow all of the instructions regarding withholding inhalers, if advised by your doctor.

How is the Test Performed?

You will be asked to sit and wear a nose clip to prevent air from escaping through your nose.

You’ll be asked to:

Take a deep breath in.
Place your mouth tightly around the spirometer mouthpiece.
Blow out forcefully and completely into the machine.
You may repeat the test 3 or more times for getting the accurate results.

Sometimes a bronchodilator (inhaler) is given, and the test is repeated to check for reversibility (important for asthma diagnosis).

What Does Spirometry helps to measure?

FEV₁ (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second): The amount of air you can forcefully exhale in 1 second.
FVC (Forced Vital Capacity): The total amount of air you can exhale after full inhalation.
FEV₁/FVC Ratio: It helps to differentiate between the obstructive and restrictive lung diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is spirometry painful or risky?

No, spirometry is generally safe and painless, but some people may feel slightly dizzy or breathless after blowing hard, but this issue resolves quickly.

2. How long does the test take?

The full test usually takes about 15–30 minutes, including the preparation and post-bronchodilator testing.

3. Can children or elderly people do spirometry?

Yes, it can be performed in children aged ≥5 years and in elderly people.

4. How often should spirometry be repeated?

It depends on your condition. If you have asthma then every 6–12 months or with change in symptoms, if COPD then annually or during flare-ups, and in Pre-op assessments, then as advised by your surgeon.