Understanding Spirometers And How They Are Used

By Celia Hall


Spirometry equipment was designed for the purpose of measuring and evaluating an individual's breathing and lung function. Spirometers are used more often than any other type of pulmonary function testing device. Such equipment specifically measures the volume of air and the rate at which it flows when a person completes one full respiration. The latter refers to the entire cycle of inhaling and exhaling.

A spirometer is a very important tool used to diagnose various medical conditions including pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, asthma, cystic fibrosis, obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, and a vast array of other lung conditions. There are numerous models from which a medical practitioner can choose; however, most contain a graph that tracks the patient's spirograms, which is the technical word for respiration measurements.

Individuals who have any kind of respiratory trouble usually benefit from the use of a spirometer. Spirometry equipment was first invented in the 1800s. However, today's modern devices are very different from those used throughout the 19th century.

Equipment of this type is also used to predict future health risks for specific individuals. Determining pulmonary strength and capacity is vital if a physician is to effectively anticipate future problems a patient may potentially face. For this reason, devices of this kind are found in virtually all health care facilities. In surgical hospitals, spirometers are often used to test a person's lung capacity after he or she has awakened from surgery.

Spirometry readings can also assist medical professionals to gauge the progress of a specific illness or the effectiveness of a particular treatment. The device can also be used to determine if a lung disorder is disrupting or restricting the patient's airflow. Virtually all pulmonologists use this type of equipment on a daily basis.

The machine itself is made up of a test box, disposable tubing and a mouthpiece. The person breathes into the tubing as normally as possible and his or her breathing patterns are tracked and displayed. In order to gain an accurate reading, one must sometimes complete multiple tasks. The procedure itself can take anywhere from several minutes to a full hour or more.

The amount of time necessary to complete breathing evaluation with this type of equipment will depend on the kind of information the attending physician is seeking. The results of the completed test are forwarded to the patient's pulmonologist who can make the appropriate evaluations and recommend proper treatment. Such information is also highly helpful with regard to tracking the effectiveness of specific treatments or medications.

Practitioners who specialize in pulmonary conditions frequently suggest ongoing testing for their clients in order to monitor their progress more efficiently. Equipment of this type is especially helpful for those with rare conditions, such as mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that unlike some diagnostic tools, a spirometer can measure both upper and lower lung function, allowing the doctor to pinpoint special problems. Because of the myriad benefits they provide, spirometers will likely remain a popular tool among lung doctors throughout the world who must regularly evaluate pulmonary patients.




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