Other Tests

Spirometry is a test of lung function, used to diagnose asthma and emphysema. Smokers benefit from spirometry, which will show early lung damage caused by smoking. If discovered soon enough, this damage may be reversible before it becomes full-blown emphysema.

Spirometry involves blowing as hard as you can into a tube connected to a measuring device. Difficulty with exhaling is a sign that the tiny air tubes, called bronchioles, tend to collapse. Your spirometry results will improve once you quit smoking. Ex-smokers found the spirometry results to be a good incentive to kick the habit.

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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.