What is spirometry?
Spirometry is a lung function test that measures how much air you can inhale and exhale and how fast you do it. It is performed with a device called a spirometer: you breathe through a disposable mouthpiece, and the device records the volume and speed of the air passing through your lungs and airways.
From these measurements, key indicators are obtained — for example the total amount of air you exhale and how much you push out in the first second. Based on them the pulmonologist assesses whether the airways are narrowed, whether the lungs are of reduced capacity and what type of disorder is involved.
The test is completely painless and safe, without needles and without radiation, and it requires your active cooperation — correct and forceful blowing through the device according to the staff's instructions. That is why a clear explanation and practicing correct breathing before the test are important for an accurate result.
At Medical Time spirometry is performed with a modern device, with patient guidance through every step, and a pulmonologist interprets the findings, so that you quickly get a reliable assessment of lung function and clear recommendations.
When is spirometry performed? Indications
Spirometry is done for complaints that point to an airway disease, to monitor already-known lung diseases and as a check of lung function before surgery or in cases of exposure to harmful substances. It is often the key test for diagnosing asthma and COPD.
The most common indications for which the test is done are:
As a general rule, a persistent cough, difficult breathing or wheezing in the chest warrant spirometry — because this is how lung diseases are detected in time and how well the therapy is working is accurately tracked.
- a persistent cough that lasts a long time and does not resolve
- difficult breathing, shortness of breath and tiring on exertion
- wheezing or whistling in the chest and a feeling of tightness
- suspicion of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- monitoring already-known asthma, COPD and other lung diseases
- assessing the effect of therapy and adjusting breathing medications
- in smokers and people exposed to dust, smoke and harmful substances
- a check of lung function before surgery and as part of routine check-ups
Preparing for spirometry
Spirometry requires a short but important preparation, because some habits and medications can temporarily change the result. The aim is for the test to show the real state of your lungs, so before it you avoid exertion, large meals and substances that affect the airways.
If you take breathing medications (inhalers or pumps), the doctor will tell you whether and when to skip them before the test — because sometimes the aim is to measure lung function without their effect, and sometimes precisely with therapy. That is why it is important to agree on this before the test and to bring your therapy with you.
What it is good to keep in mind before the test:
- do not smoke for at least 1 to 2 hours before the test (and ideally not that day at all)
- avoid strenuous physical exertion immediately before spirometry
- do not eat a large meal immediately before the test; avoid coffee and energy drinks
- wear comfortable clothing that does not constrict the chest and abdomen and does not make deep breathing harder
- agree with the doctor whether and when to skip inhalers, and bring your therapy with you
What spirometry is like — the course of the test
The test is performed in a seated position. A small clip is placed on your nose, so that all the air passes through your mouth, and you take a disposable mouthpiece connected to the device in your mouth. The staff first clearly explain and show how to breathe, because correct performance is decisive for an accurate result.
After a few normal breaths, on command you breathe in deeply all the way, and then exhale all the air from your lungs as forcefully and quickly as possible and keep exhaling until the lungs are completely empty. This maneuver is repeated a few times, in order to obtain reliable and comparable results, with short pauses between attempts.
When asthma is suspected, a test with a bronchodilator is sometimes also done: spirometry is repeated after you inhale a medication that widens the airways, and the values before and after are compared. This shows whether and how much the narrowing of the airways improves with therapy.
The whole test, with the explanation and repeated attempts, usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. The test is painless; the only effort is the forceful and prolonged exhalation, because of which you may briefly feel mild dizziness, which passes quickly with a short rest.
When you get the findings and interpretation
The spirometry results are available immediately upon completion of the test, in the form of values and curves that the device calculates. The pulmonologist compares them with the expected values for your sex, age, height and body weight and assesses whether lung function is normal or there is a disorder.
The findings show whether the airways are narrowed (obstruction, as in asthma and COPD), whether the lungs are of reduced capacity (restriction) or the findings are normal, as well as how pronounced the change is. If a test with a bronchodilator was done, the findings also show how much the condition improves with the medication.
You receive the findings with interpretation and recommendations in a short time, and all results are stored digitally, so that every subsequent spirometry can be compared with the previous one and you can track how lung function progresses or improves with therapy. If needed, we immediately schedule further exams in the same place.
Why have your spirometry at Medical Time
The accuracy of spirometry depends on correct performance and expert interpretation, because the test is largely based on the patient's cooperation. At Medical Time the staff patiently guide you through every step, and a pulmonologist interprets the findings, so that you get a reliable and clearly explained result.
Everything you might need after spirometry — a pulmonology exam, a chest X-ray, laboratory tests or further therapy — is available in one place, with a quick appointment and a warm approach.
- a painless and safe test without needles and without radiation
- a modern spirometer and precise measurement of lung function
- patient guidance through every step for an accurate result
- the option of a test with a bronchodilator when asthma is suspected
- the findings are interpreted by an experienced pulmonologist, with clear recommendations
- quick scheduling without waiting and findings in a short time
- everything in one place — pulmonology, chest X-ray and laboratory
- digital storage of results for tracking over time
Cost — Spirometry
The cost of spirometry depends on whether only the basic test is done or also a test with a bronchodilator, as well as on whether it is done together with a pulmonology exam. You receive the exact price and an appointment quickly, by phone or through the contact form.
- Spirometry (basic lung function test)
- Spirometry with a bronchodilator
- Spirometry with a pulmonology exam
For the current price and an appointment call 062-399-888.
Frequently asked questions about spirometry
No. Spirometry is completely painless — you only breathe through a disposable mouthpiece according to the staff's instructions. There are no needles or radiation, and the only effort is the forceful and prolonged exhalation.
The whole test, with the explanation and repeated attempts, usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes. If a test with a bronchodilator is also done, somewhat more time is needed because of waiting for the medication to take effect.
Do not smoke for 1 to 2 hours before the test, avoid strenuous exertion and a large meal, and wear clothing that does not constrict the chest. For inhalers, arrange it specifically with the doctor — they will tell you whether and when to skip them.
It depends on the aim of the test. Sometimes lung function is measured without the effect of the medication, and sometimes precisely with therapy. That is why you should agree with the doctor before the test and be sure to bring your therapy with you.
Spirometry shows whether the airways are narrowed (as in asthma and COPD), whether the lungs are of reduced capacity or the findings are normal, and how pronounced the change is. That is why it is key in diagnosing lung diseases.
The test requires forceful and prolonged exhalation, because of which some people feel mild, passing dizziness that quickly passes with a short rest. The staff guide you through every step and take pauses between attempts.
The results are available immediately upon completion of the test, and you receive the findings with the pulmonologist's interpretation and recommendations in a short time. The results are stored digitally for comparison with later tests.