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title: "Spirometry Definition & Meaning | infoMD Health Glossary"
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# Spirometry

spi·rom·e·try - spy-ROM-eh-tree

## Definition

Spirometry is the most common pulmonary (lung) function test, used to measure how much air you can breathe in and out and how quickly you can exhale. During the test, you breathe into a mouthpiece connected to a device called a spirometer, which records the volume and speed of your breath as you perform specific breathing maneuvers.

The two most important measurements from spirometry are FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) - the total amount of air you can forcefully exhale after taking the deepest breath possible - and FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second) - the amount of air you can forcefully exhale in the first second. The ratio of FEV1 to FVC is particularly useful for distinguishing between obstructive lung diseases (like asthma and [COPD](/conditions/copd), where airways are narrowed) and restrictive lung diseases (where the lungs can't fully expand).

Spirometry is a simple, non-invasive test that takes only about 15 minutes. It's used to diagnose respiratory conditions, monitor the progression of known lung diseases, assess the effectiveness of treatment, evaluate lung function before surgery, and screen people at high risk for lung disease (such as long-term smokers).

## Key Facts

-   • An FEV1/FVC ratio below 70% typically indicates obstructive lung disease such as COPD or asthma. 
-   • The test is effort-dependent - you need to blow as hard and fast as possible for accurate results. 
-   • Spirometry can detect lung function decline years before symptoms become noticeable. 
-   • Normal predicted values are adjusted for age, sex, height, and ethnicity. 
-   • The test is typically repeated after administering a bronchodilator to assess airway reversibility. 
-   • Spirometry is recommended annually for all patients with diagnosed COPD or moderate-to-severe asthma. 

## How It Relates To Your Health

If you've been referred for spirometry, your doctor wants to objectively measure your lung function. This test helps determine whether symptoms like shortness of breath, chronic cough, or wheezing are caused by an obstructive or restrictive lung condition, and how severe the impairment is. The results directly influence treatment decisions.

For people with asthma, regular spirometry helps track how well your condition is controlled and whether your medication regimen needs adjustment. For current or former smokers, spirometry can detect early [COPD](/conditions/copd) before significant symptoms develop, enabling earlier intervention.

## Related Terms

[Bronchodilator](/glossary/bronchodilator)[Hypoxia](/glossary/hypoxia)[Sleep Apnea](/glossary/sleep-apnea)

## Related Conditions

[

### Asthma

Respiratory 

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition in which the airways become inflamed and narrowed, making breathing difficult. Triggers like allergens, exercise, cold air, or respiratory infections can cause flare-ups (asthma attacks) with coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness.

Wheezing Shortness of breath Chest tightness 

Chronic Learn More 

](/conditions/asthma)[

### COPD

Respiratory 

COPD is a group of progressive lung diseases - primarily emphysema and chronic bronchitis - that cause airflow obstruction and breathing difficulties. Smoking is the leading cause, and the disease worsens over time, making everyday activities increasingly challenging.

Chronic cough with mucus Shortness of breath during activities Wheezing 

Chronic Learn More 

](/conditions/copd)

## Sources

1.  [Spirometry](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/spirometry) - National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH)
2.  [Spirometry](https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/spirometry/about/pac-20385201) - Mayo Clinic

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[Definition](#definition)[Key Facts](#key-facts)[How It Relates To Your Health](#health-relevance)[Related Terms](#related-terms)[Related Conditions](#related-conditions)[Sources](#sources)

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[Bronchodilator](/glossary/bronchodilator)[Hypoxia](/glossary/hypoxia)[Sleep Apnea](/glossary/sleep-apnea)

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