Pulmonary function tests

Spirometry with short-acting bronchodilator response measurement is the baseline test for diagnosing an obstructive syndrome such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This test is indicated for adults and children ages 7 and up who have risk factors (e.g. smoking, workplace exposure) or symptoms that resemble asthma (e.g. shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing).

The respiratory therapist will explain the procedure to you and guide you throughout the appointment. You should be seated comfortably in a straight-backed chair with your feet on the floor, a nose clip on your nostrils and a mouthpiece in your mouth.

The therapist will then instruct you to empty your lungs, without forcing, then breathe in as far as you can, and then breathe out again, as fast and for as long as you can.

You may need to repeat these steps a few times until the therapist gets satisfactory results.

After that, the therapist will ask you to use a bronchodilator, and then wait at least 10 minutes.

You will then be asked to breathe in as far as you can, and then breathe out as fast and for as long as you can.

You may need to repeat these steps a few times until the therapist gets satisfactory results. It takes up to one hour to complete this test.

The spirometry test interpreted by a pulmonologist requires a medical prescription. When you make an appointment, our agent will provide important instructions for you to follow in order to satisfy the essential conditions for a successful test.