Spirometry with a bronchodilator test measures your breathing before and after a medicine that opens the airways. In Sweden this may be called spirometri med reversibilitetstest. It can form part of an assessment for asthma or other breathing problems.
What happens at the appointment?
A staff member shows you how to seal your lips around the mouthpiece, breathe in and blow out forcefully. You repeat the manoeuvre to obtain reliable measurements. After the inhaled medicine and a waiting period, you repeat the measurements.
Technique and cooperation affect this test. Ask for another demonstration if the movement is unclear. Your clinician interprets both the quality of the recording and the results alongside your symptoms.
Terms you may see in the report
| Term | What it describes |
|---|---|
| FEV1 | The volume blown out during the first second. |
| FVC | The total volume during a forced breath out. |
| Bronchodilator response | How the measurements change after airway-opening medicine. |
Check your inhaler instructions beforehand
The clinic decides whether any inhaled medicine should be withheld and for how long. Instructions vary between products. Do not stop necessary treatment yourself to try to make the test more revealing.
- Bring the names and strengths of all your inhalers.
- Report a current respiratory infection and ask whether to reschedule.
- Tell staff if blowing is difficult or painful.
- Ask who will interpret the curves and when you will discuss them.
Does normal spirometry rule out asthma?
No. Asthma varies over time, and a normal recording on one occasion does not exclude it. If suspicion remains, your provider may suggest a peak-flow diary or a planned treatment trial with follow-up.
When to seek help before your appointment
New or worsening breathing difficulty needs prompt assessment. Call 112 for severe difficulty breathing. A scheduled lung test is not a plan for handling an acute attack. For recurring cough or wheeze, a vårdcentral, a primary care centre, is a usual starting point in Sweden. Call 1177 if you are unsure where to seek care.
Sources and further reading
Sources and links checked on 22 October 2026. Editorial team: Hagakliniken. General information; individual assessment may differ.