What Is Spirometry?

Spirometry is one of the most common pulmonary function tests. It measures how much air you breathe in, how much air you breathe out, and how quickly you exhale.

This test helps evaluate overall lung function and identify breathing conditions early. In many cases, spirometry is completed before and after using an inhaled bronchodilator. Therefore, providers can better understand how your lungs respond to treatment.

The process is simple, quick, and non-invasive. Most importantly, our caring team guides you through each step to ensure a comfortable experience.

Understanding Lung Capacity

Lung volume testing measures the total amount of air your lungs can hold. In addition, it evaluates how effectively your lungs move air during normal breathing.

Several testing methods may be used during this evaluation. Some tests involve breathing oxygen through specialized equipment for several minutes. These measurements help providers better assess restrictive or obstructive lung conditions.

At Pomerene Hospital, we focus on making every test as smooth and stress-free as possible. Because comfort matters, our team explains the process clearly before testing begins.

Measuring How Well Your Lungs Transfer Oxygen

Diffusion Capacity testing, also called DLCO testing, evaluates how efficiently oxygen moves between your lungs and bloodstream.

During this test, you briefly hold your breath while breathing through specialized equipment. Although the process is short, the results provide valuable insight into lung performance.

This testing can help identify conditions affecting oxygen exchange within the lungs. In turn, providers can create more personalized treatment plans based on your needs.

Assessing Lung Sensitivity

Bronchoprovocation testing helps determine how reactive or responsive your lungs may be. This test is commonly used to support asthma diagnosis and management.

During testing, patients may inhale aerosolized substances, breathe cold air, or perform controlled exercise activities. These methods help providers evaluate whether symptoms are triggered in a monitored environment.

Because patient safety comes first, our experienced respiratory team carefully supervises every step throughout the evaluation.

Supporting Asthma Diagnosis and Management

FeNO testing measures the amount of nitric oxide in the air you exhale. Elevated levels may indicate airway inflammation commonly associated with asthma.

Unlike many pulmonary tests, this evaluation requires slow and steady breathing instead of forceful exhaling. Therefore, patients often find the process comfortable and easy to complete.

This advanced testing option helps providers monitor asthma more effectively while supporting personalized care decisions.