Lung Function Evaluation: What to Expect During Spirometry Testing

When you’re having trouble breathing, getting to the bottom of what’s happening is critical.

Spirometry testing is one of the most common and effective ways to evaluate lung function. At Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine in Algonquin, Illinois, we perform these tests daily to help our patients understand their respiratory health before recommending treatment.

Why we might recommend spirometry testing

Spirometry helps us diagnose and monitor several lung conditions. You might need this test if you experience:

• Shortness of breath that’s new or worsening
• A persistent cough that won't go away
• Wheezing when you breathe
• Chest tightness that interferes with your daily activities

These symptoms often signal underlying lung issues that spirometry can help us identify quickly and accurately. The test gives us specific measurements indicating how well your lungs function.

Before your test begins

When you arrive for your appointment, we explain the process. You can sit comfortably while we place a clip on your nose to ensure you breathe only through your mouth during the test. The spirometer is a small machine connected to a mouthpiece.

For the most accurate results:

• Avoid smoking for at least one hour before testing
• Don’t eat a heavy meal right before your appointment
• Wear comfortable clothing that doesn't restrict your chest or abdomen
• Let us know about any medications you take

Following these guidelines helps ensure we get the clearest picture possible of your lung function, which leads to more accurate diagnosis and treatment.

What happens during the test

The spirometry test is straightforward and painless:

• Take a deep breath to fill your lungs.
• Place your lips around the mouthpiece to create a tight seal.
• Blow out as hard and fast as you can to empty your lungs.

We typically repeat this process three times to ensure consistent results.

The entire breathing portion usually takes less than 15 minutes. Our team coaches you through each step, encouraging you to give your best effort since this directly impacts the quality of your results.

We may give you a bronchodilator medication to open your airways, then repeat the test. That helps us determine if your breathing improves with medication.

Understanding your results

After completing your spirometry test, we review your results together. The test measures several important values:

• Forced vital capacity (FVC), the total amount of air you can exhale
• Forced expiratory volume (FEV1), how much air you can exhale in the first second
• Peak expiratory flow (PEF), how quickly you can push air out

These measurements help us identify whether you have an obstructive condition, like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), where air has trouble flowing out, or a restrictive condition where your lungs can’t fully expand.

Schedule your lung function test in Algonquin, Illinois

At Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, we’re committed to making your diagnostic experience as comfortable and informative as possible. If you're experiencing breathing difficulties, don’t wait to get answers. 

Call our office at 815-584-0976 or schedule your consultation online today.