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Spirometry
Your spirometry appointment
For patients of Ammonite Health Partnership, Lyme Bay Medical Practice and Barton House Medical Practice.
Spirometry is a test which helps to understand how well your lungs are working. It checks how much air you can breathe in and how quickly you can blow it out.
How to contact us
Please contact the PCN or your practice if you:
- have any concerns or queries before your appointment
- need to postpone or cancel your appointment
- have any of the symptoms listed in the leaflet
Jurassic Coast PCN: 01308 801 810
What to expect at your appointment
Before your appointment please make sure you’ve read and understood this leaflet and have followed the instructions- please contact us if you have any questions.
- You must bring a salbutamol inhaler with you, if you don’t have one please contact your GP so you can be issued one before the appointment.
- A nurse or healthcare assistant will measure your height and weight
- You’ll then sit comfortably and blow as hard and fast as you can into a device (spirometer) several times
- During your appointment we will give you an inhaler and repeat the test after 20 minutes to check for any improvement, during the 20 minutes we will ask you about your symptoms and medical history
If you are prescribed any of the following medications, please withhold taking them for the time frames specified in the table below:
| Medication Type | Examples | Withhold For |
| SABA (Short-acting relievers) | Salbutamol, Terbutaline | 4-6 hours |
| SAMA (Short-acting antimuscarinics) | Atrovent | 6 hours |
| LABA (Long-acting relievers) | Salmeterol, Formoterol, Seretide, Symbicort, Fostair | 24 hours |
| Ultra-LABA | Onbrez, Relvar, Anoro, Striverdi | 36 hours |
| LAMA | Spiriva, Incruse, Eklira, Braltus, Tiotropium | 36-48 hours |
| Long-acting oral bronchodilators | Theophylline | 24 hours |
FAQ’S
Does it hurt?
The test isn’t painful but may feel a little uncomfortable. Some people feel a little light-headed. You’ll be given rests between attempts and supported throughout.
How long will it take?
The test takes about 50 minutes in total
Are there any risks?
The test is very safe. You may feel a little dizzy or shaky, especially after using an inhaler - this is normal and should pass quickly. Rarely, some people may feel faint or sick.
What happens after the test?
You can go straight back to your usual activities. Resume any inhalers unless told otherwise.
Check Your Symptoms
Sometimes other symptoms indicate that it would not be appropriate for you to have a spirometry test. Please call 01308 801810 or your surgery if you have or had any of the below:
- Current or recent chest infection (last 6 weeks)
- Current pain/nausea/vomiting
- Stroke, heart attack, collapsed lung (last 3 months)
- Active TB or bullous emphysema
- Ear perforation (last 4 weeks)
- Unstable or uncontrolled angina
- Current chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Detached retina (last 8 weeks)
- Chest, brain or tummy aneurysms
- Chest, stomach, eye or brain surgery (last 3 months)
- COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, loss of taste/smell)
Other Instructions
- Take all other medicines as normal
- Bring your inhalers to the appointment
- Wear lose, comfortable clothing
Avoid the following before your test:
- Smoking (24 hours)
- Alcohol (on the day)
- Caffeine (4 hours)
- Large meals (2 hours)
- Vigorous exercise (30 mins)