Understanding The Usage And Importance Of Spirometers

By Kathy Kaufman


Spirometers are important medical instruments that are used to detect breathing problems in the lungs. It is a tool that is utilized to test a person's ability to breathe normally. Patients must breathe into a special tube connected to the machine. Patients under physician treatment for any type of pulmonary conditions will be tested using this device.

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 original device was a cylinder that was suspended into water and moved up and down when the patient breathed. When the cylinder moved, a pen would graph the results on paper. A technician would read the results and determine the lung capacity. There are several kinds of pressure related devices that are used to measure breathing.

Individuals that are using this tool for the first time, have to do a test run in order to become comfortable with the process. After this is done, the real test is conducted and the data is collected. Three distinct breathing patterns are looked at during this test.

This tool will not calculate total lung capacity. But it does measure the amount of air coming in and out of a person's lungs. Individuals suffering from acute bronchial health issues can still show a high lung volume because this test will not show how much air is passed through the tube. A number of various devices do measure air volume in and out of the lungs.

A doctor can determine if there is a problem with the airways that is causing certain breathing problems. They can determine what course of treatment to take. In most cases certain medication will be prescribed to help breathing become easier for the patient. This test can diagnose certain illnesses like asthma and other conditions. There are chronic diseases which can be detected with this device.

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 important tests for people with breathing conditions to take. It is important to be prepared before taking this test. Patients should wear comfortable, loose clothes for the test. They are advised not to eat a heavy meal before taking the test. The patient must follow the instructions of the technician in order to get accurate results.




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