Spirometry measures how much air you can breathe in and out and how fast — the essential test for diagnosing asthma, COPD, and other lung conditions. Available at local clinics and pulmonary clinics across Korea.
Spirometry is a simple, non-invasive breathing test that measures the volume and speed of air moving in and out of the lungs. It is the most important lung function test used in medicine — essential for diagnosing and monitoring obstructive lung diseases (asthma, COPD), restrictive lung diseases, and occupational lung disorders. The test takes approximately 15–20 minutes and requires patient cooperation — it involves maximal breathing efforts.
Key spirometry measurements: FVC (Forced Vital Capacity — the total volume of air exhaled after a maximal breath in), FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second — volume exhaled in the first second), and the FEV1/FVC ratio. An FEV1/FVC ratio below 0.70 indicates obstructive disease (asthma or COPD). In asthma, obstruction is typically reversible — FEV1 improves by ≥12% and 200mL after bronchodilator (salbutamol) inhaler, confirming reversible airflow obstruction. In COPD, obstruction is fixed. A reduced FVC with normal FEV1/FVC ratio suggests restrictive disease (pulmonary fibrosis, neuromuscular weakness).
In Korea, spirometry is performed at local clinics (for initial diagnosis and annual COPD/asthma monitoring), hospital pulmonary function laboratories, and private respiratory clinics. All spirometers in licensed facilities must be regularly calibrated. The test requires the patient to be free of chest infections, off bronchodilators for specified time windows, and is often performed with a bronchodilator reversibility test. Korea's seasonal fine dust, yellow dust, and pollen (driving high rates of allergic rhinitis and asthma), along with smoking, make spirometry an important diagnostic tool.
Key Points
- FEV1/FVC < 0.70 = obstructive airflow limitation (asthma or COPD)
- Reversibility test (post-bronchodilator) distinguishes asthma from COPD
- Available at local clinics and hospital pulmonary labs in Korea
- Requires maximal breathing efforts — technician guides you through technique
- Annual spirometry recommended for all COPD patients
- Do not take bronchodilators on the day of spirometry (unless instructed)
When to See a Doctor
- Diagnosis of new respiratory symptoms (wheeze, breathlessness, cough)
- Suspected asthma or COPD
- Annual monitoring of diagnosed COPD or severe asthma
- Occupational lung disease assessment
- Pre-surgical respiratory assessment
For emergencies in Korea, call 119
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This content is published for educational purposes only. For accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment, consult a licensed KMA physician in Korea.
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Medical Disclaimer
This article is published by DoctorsInKorea.com for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace a professional clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. For accurate medical diagnosis and personalised treatment paths, please book an appointment with a licensed KMA physician. For immediate life-threatening medical emergencies in Korea, please call 119.
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Last reviewed: March 1, 2025