With a lung function test (spirometry) we measure how much air you can breathe in and out and how fast. This allows diseases of the airways to be detected and monitored over time.
When is the examination useful?
- for shortness of breath, chronic cough or wheezing
- if asthma or COPD is suspected, and to monitor treatment
- after many years of smoking
- before operations or as part of fitness examinations, if required
Procedure
You sit comfortably and breathe into the device through a mouthpiece. A nose clip makes sure that no air escapes through your nose. After a few calm breaths you breathe in deeply on instruction and then out as hard and fast as possible. If needed, we repeat the measurement after you have inhaled a spray that widens the airways. The examination takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
You do not need a separate appointment for the lung function test. If possible, please do not smoke in the hours before the examination.