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Spirometry is a straightforward breathing test used to measure how well air moves into and out of the lungs. It can help a doctor investigate symptoms such as persistent coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, as well as assess and monitor certain respiratory conditions. Spirometry is one of the most commonly performed types of lung-function testing.
Hout Bay Family Medical Centre provides convenient spirometry testing in dedicated procedure rooms at our GP practice in Hout Bay, Cape Town. Our doctors assess the results alongside your symptoms, medical history and physical examination to develop a clearer understanding of your respiratory health.
Spirometry is a non-invasive test that measures the amount of air you can breathe out and how quickly you can empty your lungs. The test is performed using a device called a spirometer, which records your breathing measurements and produces results that can be reviewed by your doctor.
These measurements can help indicate whether airflow through the lungs is within the expected range or whether there may be narrowing, obstruction or another change that requires further investigation.
Spirometry is a valuable part of respiratory assessment, but it is not always sufficient to diagnose a condition on its own. Results must be considered together with your symptoms, health history and any other clinically appropriate tests.
A doctor may recommend spirometry when investigating ongoing or unexplained respiratory symptoms, including:
Spirometry may help with the assessment of conditions that affect the airways, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, commonly known as COPD. It may also be used to monitor an existing lung condition, assess response to treatment or evaluate respiratory health before certain surgical procedures.
Spirometry may be appropriate for patients experiencing ongoing breathing symptoms or those with recognised risk factors for lung disease.
Your doctor may consider lung-function testing when you:
The decision to perform spirometry will depend on your individual symptoms, age, health history and ability to complete the breathing manoeuvres required for an accurate test.
Before the test begins, the healthcare professional may ask about your symptoms, medication and recent health. Your height and weight may also be recorded because these measurements are used when interpreting your results.
During the spirometry test, you will generally be seated upright. A soft clip may be placed over your nose to prevent air from escaping, and you will be asked to form a tight seal around a clean mouthpiece connected to the spirometer.
You will then be guided through the following steps:
Repeating the test helps establish whether the measurements are consistent and reliable. The healthcare professional will explain each step and encourage you throughout the procedure.
In some circumstances, a doctor may recommend additional testing after the initial spirometry assessment. This could include repeating the test after using an inhaler or referring you for more comprehensive pulmonary-function testing.
Spirometry is non-invasive and should not be painful. However, the test requires a strong and sustained breathing effort. Some patients may temporarily feel tired, light-headed, dizzy or short of breath after repeatedly breathing in deeply and blowing out forcefully.
These sensations are usually brief. Tell the healthcare professional immediately if you experience chest pain, significant dizziness or any other concerning discomfort during the test.
You will be given preparation instructions that are appropriate for your appointment and medical history.
You may be advised to:
Certain inhalers and medicines can affect spirometry results. Do not stop using prescribed medication unless your doctor or healthcare professional has specifically instructed you to do so.
Please tell the practice if you are currently unwell, have a chest infection or have recently undergone surgery.
Spirometry requires forceful breathing, which temporarily increases pressure within the chest and abdomen. The test may therefore need to be postponed or assessed more carefully if you:
Your doctor or healthcare professional will determine whether spirometry is appropriate based on your current health and medical history.
Spirometry results are compared with expected measurements for someone of a similar age, height and sex. Your doctor will consider the volume of air you can breathe out, how quickly you can expel it and whether the pattern suggests a possible airflow limitation.
An abnormal result does not automatically confirm a particular lung condition. Spirometry requires good effort and technique, and the results must be interpreted together with your symptoms, examination and medical history.
Depending on the findings, your doctor may recommend:
A result within the expected range also does not rule out every possible cause of respiratory symptoms. Your doctor will explain what your measurements mean and discuss any appropriate next steps.
Spirometry may be used to monitor patients with an existing respiratory condition and assess whether their lung function is stable, improving or declining.
When repeated over time, lung-function testing can help your doctor evaluate how your lungs are responding to treatment and whether your management plan may need to be adjusted.
Patients should continue using prescribed medication as directed and attend routine follow-up appointments, even when their symptoms are well controlled.
Hout Bay Family Medical Centre offers spirometry and lung-function testing as part of our comprehensive family medicine and in-room procedure services. Our experienced general practitioners provide individual assessment, clear explanations and ongoing medical care for patients experiencing respiratory symptoms or managing chronic breathing conditions.
Patients looking for spirometry in Hout Bay, lung-function testing in Cape Town or a trusted GP for asthma and respiratory assessment can access professional care at Hout Bay Family Medical Centre.
Our family medical practice is conveniently located at 19 Brighton Street, on the corner of Brighton Street and Albert Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town.
Spirometry is intended for planned respiratory assessment and is not an emergency treatment.
Seek urgent medical assistance if you experience sudden or severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, severe chest pain, confusion, collapse or rapidly worsening respiratory symptoms. Do not wait for a routine spirometry appointment when breathing difficulties are severe or getting worse.
