Spirometry :
Spirometry is a Pulmonary function test(PFT) ie,. measures the lung function by the volume and speed of air that is inhaled and exhaled out of the lungs. It is helpful to monitor and diagnose various lung conditions like asthma , COPD(chronic obstructive lung disease), cystic fibrosis(CF) , pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia and differentiate between obstructive lung disease and restrictive lung disease, cardiac and pulmonary cause. It also plays a role to help in diagnosis of occupational lung diseases like asbestosis and silicosis. It is usually done if the patient has chest discomfort, wheezing, difficulty in taking deep breaths, coughing (often with expectoration) , shortness of breath etc., by a general physician, pulmonologist or a respiratory therapist.