Lung Foundation

Spriometry is a type of lung function testing. Lung function tests provide an easy way of measuring the function of the lungs without the need to physically examine the lungs themselves. Lung function or breathing tests are important investigations which:

• Help diagnose suspected lung disease;
• Help in planning treatments and decide whether treatments should be continued, changed, or are no longer needed.

How does it feel to perform lung function tests?

Most lung function tests are straightforward and only involve fairly simple breathing tasks like rapid breathing. This may occasionally be tiring and make you feel a bit puffed, but is usually not uncomfortable.

Types of lung function tests

Spirometry and Flow Volume Curves

 Common lung conditions, such as asthma and emphysema, cause problems by narrowing the airways (bronchial tubes) resulting in shortness of breath. Narrowed airways are difficult to breath through - the greater the narrowing, the more difficult that breathing becomes.

Spirometry and flow volume curves are tests which are of great value for measuring exactly how much narrowing is present.

These tests involve taking a full breath in and blowing out with best effort into a device called a spirometer. Measurements are made which indicate the speed at which the lungs can be emptied and filled with air. The test is performed whilst seated, and usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. It is sometimes carried out before and after inhaling a reliever drug such as VentolinTM or BricanylTM to measure the effect of these drugs. In this case, your doctor may ask you not to take your usual reliever medication for a few hours prior to the test.

Please Note: This information is intended by The Australian Lung Foundation to be used as a guide only and is not an authoritative statement. Please consult your family doctor or specialist respiratory physician if you have further questions relating to the information provided here.