Take a breath on World Spirometry Day in Hamilton and let us look at your lungs.

What is spirometry? 

Spirometry is a test of how well you can breathe and can help in the diagnosis of different lung diseases. The test is painless and usually takes less than 10 minutes, but requires taking in a very deep breath and some hard blowing. You breathe into a device called a spirometer, which measures the amount of air in your lungs and how fast you can breathe out.

Should you take a test?

Yes, if:

√       You cough a lot.

√       You become short of breath when walking quickly.

√       You are worried about the health of your lungs.

√       You are already receiving treatment for a lung disease.

√       You are over the age of 40 and have smoked cigarettes

during the past 12 months.

What happens during the test?

The technician will show you how to blow into the spirometer before you begin. It is important that you put as much effort into the test as you possibly can, otherwise the results will not be accurate.

You will be asked to blow three or more times into the spirometer.

The breathing is difficult for some people. Be sure to carefully watch the demonstration before you try it yourself. This will save time and energy. If you become tired or lightheaded during the test, ask for a couple of minutes to quietly catch your breath before trying again. Some people may find that the test makes them want to cough. If this occurs try and clear your chest before you try again.

What happens if the test results look abnormal?

If you have experienced asthma-like symptoms in the past but the Spirometry test is normal, you may still have asthma. If you are a smoker and the spirometry test is normal, you remain at a high risk of developing COPD, heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer, so you should ask for help to stop smoking. If there is polluted air in your workplace, even if your spirometry test is currently normal, you should avoid breathing dusts, smoke, fumes, and chemicals.

Will I need any more tests?

The spirometry test is an important measure of lung function. If you have an ongoing lung problem (for example COPD) regularly spirometry may help monitor your condition. In addition, you may be asked to carry out some more tests if the doctor needs to investigate further.

So come and join us on World Spirometry Day on Thursday 14^th October for a free Spirometry test it only takes 10 minutes.

Vanessa