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Spirometry

Spirometry involves a few different exercises to measure how well the lungs take in and release air.

There will be a $50 missed appointment fee or if cancelled with less than 24 hour notice,

A doctor telling patients how to use an asthma inhaler

WITHOUT BRONCHODILATOR

Breathing exercises will be done once, with no bronchodilator (Ventolin) used

BEFORE YOU COME

WITH BRONCHODILATOR

Breathing exercises will be done twice, once before the use of a bronchodilator (Ventolin) and once after

There are a few things we would like you to do prior to your appointment:

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  1. Bring a current list of your medications

  2. Please refrain from smoking and avoid eating large meals prior to your test

  3. If this is your first visit, please hold all inhalers (puffers) for at least 12 hours prior to your appointment

  4. Please inform our office of any recent surgeries, particular performed on the abdomen or eyes

  5. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time to fill out paperwork (or better yet, save some time and fill it out now & email it to us! It can be found here: patient questionnaire).

WHEN YOU'RE HERE

This test is performed in Medical Centre 2

Suite 303, 435 The Boardwalk, Waterloo, ON

Please head to the CPS Registration Desk and we will direct you from there.

A Registered Respiratory Therapist will assist you with your spirometry appointment. You will be asked to breathe through a round mouthpiece while wearing nose plugs.

 

You may be asked to do any of the following:

  • Breathe quietly, at a resting pace

  • Take a deep breath in

  • Blow out all of your air as quickly and forcefully as possible

  • Hold your breath for 8-10 seconds

  • 'Panting' exercises (2-3 seconds) against an open and blocked mouthpiece

 

If you are having a spirometry with a bronchodilator, you will be asked to take a couple doses of an inhaled medicine called Ventolin and then asked to repeat the breathing exercises to see its effect.

How long will my appointment be?

20 mins

AFTER YOU LEAVE

One of our respirologists will then interpret the entirety of the test, write a report, and send the results to your doctor.

More Information

There are many reasons why your doctor may have ordered spirometry testing. 

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Spirometry is helpful to:

  • Diagnose lung diseases such as Asthma, Bronchitis, and Emphysema

  • Find the cause of shortness of breath, cough, or wheeze

  • Measure lung function after hazard exposure

  • Measure your baseline before a surgery

  • Assess the effect of medication

  • Follow-up on progress in disease treatment

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If you are still wondering why you were referred to us for spirometry, we encourage you to reach out to your doctor and ask for clarification.

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