Spirometry

[Aparecium]

I’ve been booked for Spirometry test. What does this involve? NHS website makes it seem like blowing into a specialised PFM, and also that it takes less than an hour, but appointment letter says at least an hour (1-1.5h).

Do they try to trigger a reaction during the appointment?

I have had this done several times.

It is a bit like an advanced peak flow test. It measures lung capacity.

Are you asthmatic or do they suspect copd? It is usually used to diagnose copd

I have had this done several times.

It is a bit like an advanced peak flow test. It measures lung capacity.

Are you asthmatic or do they suspect copd? It is usually used to diagnose copd

They thought I have asthma, but I’m not responding to steroids as I should.

Does it make a difference to the results if you are tested in a period where your asthma appears to be well controlled, or if you are tested in a period where nothing works quite right (ie not well controlled, but not symptomatic enough to go to hospital), or if you’re treated when your symptoms warrant a hospital visit or taking sick leave?

I’m currently in that middle period.

What steroids are you on? Have they done allergy tests?

The spirometry is literally an electronic peak flow. Sometimes they will put you on a treadmill to stress test but if the issue is the meds not responding then I'll would assume it will be a standard one and you will be sat for most of it. Mine took about 30 mins