A breathing test that measures how much air you can blow out and how fast, to help diagnose and monitor asthma, COPD and other lung conditions, with inhaler and action plan reviews at Morisset Doctors.
GP consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients with a valid Medicare card: children 15 and under, patients 65 and over with a pension or Health Care Card, and all other pension and Health Care Card holders.
Some inhalers are paused before the test.
Tap to see moreYour GP will advise what to stop and when.
Call receptionSo you can breathe deeply.
Tap to see moreAvoid a large meal beforehand.
What to bringReschedule if you have a cold or chest infection.
Tap to see moreResults are more accurate when you are well.
Book nowBulk billed for eligible patientsResults help update your asthma or COPD plan.
Tap to see moreBring your current plan.
Asthma careChoose a topic to see what is involved, what it costs, the questions people ask most, and how to book.
You take a deep breath and blow out as hard and fast as you can into a mouthpiece, several times. You may then use a reliever puffer and repeat the test.
It takes 15 to 30 minutes.
It can make you tired or light-headed briefly.
Your GP will advise.
Spirometry helps confirm asthma and check how well it is controlled. Everyone with asthma should have a written asthma action plan.
Inhaler technique is checked too.
At least yearly, more if not controlled.
Bring it and your GP or nurse will check.
COPD causes ongoing breathlessness and cough, usually in people who have smoked. Spirometry confirms the diagnosis and tracks it over time.
Management includes quitting smoking, inhalers, vaccines and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Yes; treatment improves symptoms and quality of life.
Flu, pneumococcal and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended.
Plain-language information to help you know what to expect and make informed decisions with your GP.
Spirometry measures how much air you can breathe out in one second (FEV1) and in total (FVC). The ratio between them helps show whether airways are narrowed.
Testing before and after a reliever puffer shows whether narrowing improves, which helps diagnose asthma.
Your GP may ask you to pause some inhalers before the test. Avoid smoking, heavy exercise and a large meal for a few hours beforehand, and wear loose clothing.
Reschedule if you have a cold or chest infection.
Results are compared with the expected values for your age, height and sex. Your GP will explain whether they suggest asthma, COPD or another pattern.
Spirometry is often repeated over time to track your condition.
A written action plan, good inhaler technique, vaccinations, staying active and quitting smoking all help.
Pulmonary rehabilitation programs can improve breathing and fitness for people with COPD.
With puffers, as advised.
If prescribed.
Keep your action plan handy.
Quitline 13 78 48.
Exercise strengthens lungs.
Flu and pneumococcal.
Book an assessment and spirometry.
Book spirometryTest what you know about spirometry. Choose an answer to reveal the explanation.
You should do spirometry while you have a chest infection.
Reschedule until you are well.
Spirometry helps diagnose asthma and COPD.
It measures how much and how fast you can breathe out.
Some inhalers may need to be paused before the test.
Your GP will advise.
Information on this page is general, evidence-based and drawn from Australian health authorities and professional guidelines, including:
Morisset Doctors advertises its services in line with the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law and AHPRA's Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service. We do not use testimonials, offer inducements, or make claims about outcomes. Individual results and experiences vary. Please talk to your GP about your own situation.
For the test.
For everyone with asthma.
Bulk billed consults.
Support to quit smoking.
Your care can involve more than one person. Choose a part of the care team to see how it fits together.
Every GP at Morisset Doctors can help with spirometry. These team members list it among their interests.
Skin checks and procedures, geriatric medicine, paediatrics, chronic conditions and men's health.
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Chronic and complex care, geriatrics, mental health, skin cancer medicine and women's health.
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Women's health, children's health, pregnancy care and preventive care. Taking new patients.
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Women's health, paediatrics, geriatric medicine and chronic disease. Taking new patients.
Book nowA little preparation gives you and your doctor more time for what matters. Your doctor will explain the options, benefits and risks, and only examine with your consent.
Book online at any hour, or call reception from 8:00am, Monday to Friday. New patients welcome.
If yours is not here, call (02) 4006 8222 and reception will help.
Consultations are bulk billed for eligible patients.
15 to 30 minutes.
Your GP will advise.
Usually from around 6 years old.
Reschedule.
No.
