Spirometry is a device that is used to measure the amount of air a person's lungs can move in and out and at what rate.
To be tested:
- The person places his or her mouth on the mouthpiece that is attached to a recording device (spirometer).
- The person breathes in (inhales) as deeply as possible.
- The person then blows out (exhales) as hard, fast, and completely as possible.
This test can be done in a doctor's office or the hospital and is not painful.
Author:Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Medical Review:Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology
Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology
Last Updated: 05/15/2007
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