Understanding The Use And Importance Of Spirometers

By Kathy Kaufman


Spirometers are medical instruments used to measure a person's breathing function. This equipment is utilized to test the health of the lungs and breathing capacity. Patients have to breathe into a tube which is connected to the device. Individuals that take this test often are being treated for pulmonary health conditions and need to be monitored regularly.

Various tests are performed using this device. This equipment is created to be sensitive to shifts in air pressure. It can measure subtle airflow changes in and out of the lungs. These devices produce a graphical readout that shows the airflow and the amount of time of the test. The readings permit the physician to determine how much air the patient is inhaling and exhaling over a certain period of time.

The first model was made into a cylinder that was placed into water, moving up and down as the patient breathed. As the cylinder device moved, an attached pen would write a graph of the results on to a piece of paper. The technician can then read the results and determine the results of patient's breathing capacity. Several other pressure related tests are used to measure breathing and the water submerged method is sometimes still used.

Technicians must receive special training to use this device. When patients use this type of device for the first time, they are given a quick test run to get comfortable with the device. Once they are comfortable with the process, the actual test is given and the data can be collected. There are usually three patterns of breathing that are tested in order to get a range of different values to determine the patient's condition.

This device does not measure total lung capacity. It measures the amount of air that comes in and out of the lungs. Individuals who have severe bronchial issues may still have a high lung volume but the test may not reflect this because only a small amount of air goes through the bronchial tubes. There are other devices that are used to test lung volume.

With this tool, physicians are able to see if the individual is suffering from some sort of lung disease. If a lung impairment is detected, immediate treatment will follow. The doctor overseeing the case will establish the best course of treatment. Medication is often required in order to help the person breathe easier. This tool is able to help doctors diagnose lung issues related to asthma and several other serious illnesses. There are a great number of chronic illnesses which can be detected using this tool.

Individuals that have chronic lung disorders are tested using this type of device. It is very effective in determining the root of the breathing ailment. Chronic disease can be monitored and treated over a number of years. This test can be performed in a series of intervals over the course of treatment. The doctor will be able to monitor any changes and prescribed the necessary medication if the symptoms get worse.

Spirometers are very important tests for people with breathing problems to have. Individuals having this test for the first time need to be prepared for the test. They will need to have comfortable, loose fitting clothes that do not make breathing uncomfortable. Patients are also instructed no to eat heavy meals right before the test. It is important for patients to follow certain instructions so the technician gets accurate results.




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