Spirometry Test in Birmingham

A spirometry test investigates certain respiratory conditions such as suspected asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis. Similar to a peak flow test, it measures how much air flows out of your lungs in one forced breath. 

Our spirometry tests in Birmingham provide results quickly without a GP referral. Our clinic has state-of-the-art spirometers, and our staff specialise in superior attention, offering you premium medical care.

Why You May Need a Test

If you have already been diagnosed with a respiratory condition, we may recommend a spirometry test to help monitor your symptoms and response to inhalers and medications. With this detailed information, we can create a treatment plan.

What’s more, if you are over the age of 45 and a long-term smoker or have had a persistent chesty cough, it may be helpful to talk to one of our GPs for advice about further investigation. Typically, we do not test individuals if they have recently had surgery, though we evaluate every patient’s case individually. 

What to Expect from a Spirometry Test

We understand you might worry about medical tests; they often seem daunting and complex. Here’s a clear breakdown of the appointment process so that you know exactly what to expect.

Preparing for Your Test

When you decide to take a spirometry test, our GPs will recommend the best preparation practices. For a clear picture of your lung health, we advise you not to use inhaled therapy for a couple of days before the test. 

We recommend you avoid eating large meals or drinking fizzy drinks before the session. Also, you may find tight-fitting clothing restrictive; looser items may be more comfortable.

We are unable to perform spirometry if you have had:

• Recent Surgery within 4-6w 
• Recent chest infection within 4w 
• Active TB 
• Coughing up blood

The Spirometry Test 

A spirometry test typically takes around 15 minutes, and the process is simple. 

• One of our team members will place a clip over your nose, closing the nostrils
• Then, we will ask you to take a big breath in and out into a tube. It needs to be as hard as possible and last for as long as possible
• We will repeat this test three times to get consistent results

Types of Spirometry

• Baseline spirometry: to investigate lung function where a diagnosis has not been established or to determine improvement in respiratory symptoms.
• Reversibility testing: may be helpful to differentiate asthma from COPD.
• Post bronchodilator spirometry: to investigate and diagnose obstructive conditions where baseline spirometry shows an obstructive picture, or to monitor clinical progress in diagnosed Asthma and COPD. You need to be established on treatment to complete post bronchodilator spirometry.

Recovery

As it is non-invasive, the test does not require a recovery process, although some patients might feel tired afterwards. You may need to rest. 

Check our informative leaflet to learn more about spirometry test, click here.

Getting Your Results

After the test, you will receive a physical and a digital copy of your results. Then, you can book an appointment with our GPs, who will explain them and their implications and recommend the next steps.

As with all our test results and records, they are entirely confidential. We will never share them without your permission.

Meet Our Respiratory Specialists

We are immensely proud to have respiratory specialists and fully-trained healthcare assistants available to conduct our spirometry tests. Discover our profiles to learn about our backgrounds and qualifications. 

Dr Guy Hagan

With over twenty years of experience as a qualified doctor and a Master’s Degree from the University of Cambridge, Dr Hagan is our resident expert. He specialises in respiratory medicine, covering breathlessness, coughs, lung infections, interstitial lung disease, COPD and pulmonary embolism.

Mrs Jenny Henderson

With over fourteen years of experience as a nurse practitioner, Jenny has previously worked as a midwife, intensive care nurse and community nurse. She prides herself on her outstanding evidence-based care and attention. 

Mrs Louise Bradshaw

Having qualified as a nurse in 2006, Louise has ten years of experience managing services in the NHS. She delivers superior support to our patients, ensuring their comfort and security through their appointments. 

Eman Majid

Leading our team of healthcare assistants, Eman has worked in multiple roles at Midland Health. She progressed from HCA to team leader and has gathered valuable experience and skills to deliver outstanding care.

Why Choose Midland Health

We believe in providing immediate medical care to patients in the Midlands. Our appointments are available without a GP referral or a waiting list, allowing you to see experienced consultants quickly.

Our Birmingham clinic have innovative equipment that means we can conduct multiple procedures and tests from a single location. No driving miles to see a different specialist; they are all on your doorstep.

By choosing our amazing team, you benefit from: 

• Appointments in a matter of days
• Consultations with expert medical practitioners
• No need for GP referrals or extensive waiting lists 
• Advanced medical facilities and technology
• Exceptional patient care

Book Your Test Today

For clear results and diagnosis, book your spirometry test in Birmingham today. If you need more information or would like to book a GP consultation beforehand, contact our friendly team on 0121 769 0999.