Spirometry is invaluable as a screening test of general respiratory health just as blood pressure provides important information about general cardiovascular health. Spirometry results combined with subjective (history) data from patients help physicians to provide an accurate diagnosis. The tables below provide some indications and contraindications for spirometry.

Indications for Spirometry

• Smokers over age 40
• Shortness of breath
• Shortness of breath during exercise
• Chronic cough
• Frequent colds
• Allergic Rhinitis
• Possible Asthma
• Possible Bronchitis
• Wheezing
• Exposure to environmental air pollution
• Patients utilizing >2 canisters of Albuterol per year
• Diabetics utilizing inhaled insulin therapy
• Assessment of patients receiving respiratory medication (i.e. bronchodilators, etc.)
• Pre-operative risk assessment
• Assessment of health status prior to beginning strenuous physical activity programs
• Disability Impairment evaluations
• Risk assessment as part of an insurance evaluation

Contraindications for Spirometry

• Extreme shortness of breath
• Extreme cough
• Chest or abdominal pain of any cause
• Oral or facial pain exacerbated by a mouthpiece
• Stress incontinence
• Dementia or confused state