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A spirometer is a device that measures how much air a person can move in and out of the lungs. It is used during spirometry, a common lung function test. The test can show airflow limits, lung volume changes, and how strongly a person can breathe out. Clinicians use the results with symptoms, history, and other tests.
read more about spirometer ...A person breathes into a mouthpiece connected to the spirometer while following test instructions. The device records the amount of air breathed out and how fast the air moves. Common measurements include forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second. Good effort and correct technique matter because weak sealing or stopping early can affect the result.
A spirometer can be used to help check asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other breathing concerns. It can also measure lung function before surgery or track changes during treatment. Some workplace health programs use spirometry when lung exposure is a concern. A clinician decides when the test fits the person's symptoms or care plan.
You will sit or stand, wear a nose clip in some cases, and breathe through a mouthpiece. The tester will ask you to take a deep breath and blow out hard and fast for as long as directed. The test is often repeated several times to get reliable results. Some people feel lightheaded briefly, so tell the tester if you feel unwell.
Results are compared with expected values based on details such as age, height, sex, and health history. A low or unusual reading does not diagnose a condition by itself. The clinician looks at the pattern of results and whether medication changes the reading. Follow-up testing can be needed when results and symptoms do not match.
A spirometer can support an asthma evaluation, but it does not diagnose asthma on its own. A clinician reviews symptoms, triggers, exam findings, and test patterns before making a diagnosis.
Your testing site can tell you whether to avoid certain inhalers, heavy meals, smoking, or strenuous activity before the test. Follow those instructions because preparation can affect the reading.
No. Spirometry should not hurt, but blowing hard can feel tiring. Tell the tester if you feel dizzy, short of breath, or uncomfortable.
A spirometer measures several lung function values during a controlled test. A peak flow meter mainly measures how fast you can blow air out in one hard breath.
Spirometry. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/spirometry/about/pac-20385201. Date Accessed May 26, 2026.
Spirometry. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17833-spirometry. Date Accessed May 26, 2026.
Lung Function Tests. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/lung-function-tests/. Date Accessed May 26, 2026.
Tests for Lung Disease. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/lung-tests. Date Accessed May 26, 2026.
Spirometry. American Lung Association. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/spirometry. Date Accessed May 26, 2026.