Living with Asthma: How Regular Lung Function Tests Can Help

Managing asthma with confidence   

Asthma affects more than 5 million people in the UK and remains one of the leading causes of emergency hospital visits. Asthma has no cure, but with appropriate medication, lifestyle adjustments, and regular medical monitoring, it can be well controlled. One essential—but often overlooked—tool for monitoring your condition is a lung function test. 

At Pearlfect Care Pharmacy, we make these tests quick, comfortable and easy to access, so you can take control of your asthma and breathe with confidence every day.

Why lung function testing matters 

Airflow Obstruction:

Lung function tests reveal whether your airways are narrowed or obstructed, a key indicator of how well-controlled your asthma is. You might not always feel breathless, even when your airways are inflamed or partially blocked. A test can detect silent changes before they become serious, helping you prevent flare-ups and avoid emergency care. 

Medication Effectiveness: 

A lung function test measures your lung capacity before and after using a reliever inhaler to determine if your medication is working. If airflow improves only slightly, your treatment plan may require adjustment to ensure you are on the appropriate medication and dose. 

Lung Capacity and Strength: 

A lung function test measures your lung capacity before and after using a reliever inhaler to determine if your medication is working. If airflow shows only slight improvement, your treatment plan may need adjusting to ensure you're on the best treatment and dose. 

Trigger Tracking: 

Lung function tests can reveal how your lungs react to specific triggers, such as cold air, pollen, or physical activity. Regular testing helps you understand how your lungs react in different conditions, enabling you to adjust your daily routine and prevent symptoms before they occur. 

How often should you have a lung function test?   

• If your asthma is under control, an annual review helps confirm your treatment is still working as it should. 
• After a new diagnosis or change in medication: Around 6–12 weeks later to monitor improvement. 
• You should have a follow-up lung function test within 4–6 weeks after an asthma attack or hospital visit. 
• If you’re unsure about your symptoms: Book a test if you’re waking up at night, using your reliever more than twice a week, or feeling out of breath during everyday activities.  

At Pearlfect, we offer flexible appointments to ensure you receive prompt care whenever you have concerns about your asthma control. 

What happens during your lung function test?   

When you come in for a lung function test, we begin with a friendly chat about your asthma symptoms, inhaler use, and overall health. Then, we’ll guide you through the test, where you’ll take a deep breath and blow as hard and fast as you can into a disposable mouthpiece connected to a spirometer. You may need to repeat this several times to obtain accurate readings.

Sometimes, we’ll ask you to use your reliever inhaler, wait 15 minutes, and then repeat the test to assess your lung response. This test helps us evaluate the effectiveness of your treatment. It is painless and usually takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Afterwards, we’ll explain the results clearly, show how they compare to healthy levels for your age and body type, and offer guidance on what to do next. If needed, we can share the report with your GP or asthma nurse. 



How to prepare for your appointment 

To get the most accurate results from your test, we recommend the following:

• Avoid colds or chest infections before your test—please reschedule if you’re unwell. 
• Don’t smoke or vape for at least 24 hours before. 
• Skip heavy exercise for about 8 hours beforehand. 
• Use your reliever inhaler only if necessary during the four hours before the test. 
• Have a light snack, not a full meal, before your appointment. 
• Wear loose-fitting clothing to make it easier to breathe deeply. 

If you are pregnant, have had recent surgery, or feel dizzy or unwell, please inform us before the test so we can ensure your safety. 

Why choose Pearlfect for lung function testing? 

We’re proud to offer a lung function testing service that’s convenient, professional and patient-focused. Here’s why so many asthma patients choose Pearlfect:

• No long waits or referrals: You can book your appointment directly with us. 
• Accurate results: We use high-quality, hospital-grade spirometers. 
• Calm, private rooms: Perfect for anyone feeling anxious about breathing tests. 
• Skilled staff: Our trained team will guide you through every step and help you get the best results. 
• Extra support: We can check your inhaler technique, review your peak flow readings, and update your asthma action plan. 
• Affordable pricing: We offer clear, transparent fees with no hidden costs. 

We believe everyone deserves confidence in managing their asthma, and regular lung function tests play a vital role in achieving this. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1.  Does the test hurt?   

No. It’s completely painless, though you might feel slightly light-headed after blowing. We always give you time to recover between each try. 

2.  Can children have the test?  

Yes. Most children over five can complete the test with some coaching and encouragement. We use kid-friendly equipment and make the process as stress-free as possible.   

3.  Will the test change my asthma medication?  

It might. If the results show your lung function has dropped, we’ll recommend adjustments and can send a report to your GP for further review. 

Take charge of your asthma  

Asthma can be unpredictable, but regular lung function tests help you maintain control. Regular monitoring of your airways helps prevent flare-ups, allows treatment adjustments, and supports confident daily living. 

Ready to take a deep breath and stay on top of your asthma?

Book your lung function test today at Pearlfect Care Pharmacy. Visit our Lung Function Tests page, call us, or stop by the pharmacy. We’re here to help you breathe better and live well, every single day.