Why it's done

Pulmonary function testing, also called spirometry, is done to diagnose asthma, COPD and other lung conditions or to look for other causes of breathing trouble. A spirometry test can detect symptoms caused by a chronic lung condition such as:

• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Chronic bronchitis
• Emphysema
• Pulmonary fibrosis

If you've already been diagnosed with a chronic lung disorder, spirometry may be used periodically to check how well your medications are working and whether your symptoms are under control.

How the test works

The nurse or technician will give you specific instructions about how to take the test. Listen carefully and make sure you know exactly what to do. Doing the test incorrectly will cause inaccurate results.

The nurse or technician will have you take a deep breath and breathe out as hard as you can for several seconds into a tube that's attached to a machine (spirometer). You may feel short of breath for a moment after you perform the test.

You'll need to repeat the test at least three times to make sure your results are accurate. Total time for the test is 5 to 10 minutes.

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