Spirometers are used in doctor's offices to test lung capacity and to diagnose such issues as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and other breathing conditions. They are also used as a diagnostic tool for those who are being treated for lung conditions. The air that in inhaled and exhaled is measured on how fast it moves through the lungs.
When used on patients who currently have a lung condition, it can show the efficacy of medication that was prescribed and to monitor symptoms. Conditions such as asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema can be diagnosed with this test.
Before taking the test, patients are advised not to use any medications or inhalants for the most accurate readings. Large meals should be avoided in order to breath easier and loose clothing is recommended so that the patient will not be constricted in their breathing.
A soft nose clip is worn to prevent air from escaping the nostrils and a filter will be placed over the mouthpiece of the instrument for sanitation purposes. The patient will be asked to take a deep breath and then exhale as hard as possible for a few seconds into the mouthpiece of the spirometer. This can cause shortness of breath or dizziness that will pass in a few moments. The test will be repeated a couple of times and the readings will be compared to make sure they are accurate and consistent.
If inhaled medications are administered after the initial test to keep the lungs open, one should wait at least 15 minutes before taking another test. Comparison can then be made between the two tests to see if the medication improved airflow. Each test takes less than 15 minutes to do. The measurements include the largest amount of air that can be exhaled, called forced vital capacity (FVC), and another reading shows how much air can be exhaled in one second, known as forced expiratory volume (FEV-1).
This test is used to detect respiratory disease in patients who present symptoms of breathlessness, to diagnose and manage asthma, and to distinguish respiratory conditions from those of cardiac disease. It is used to differentiate between obstructive and restrictive lung disease, measure bronchial responsiveness, identify risk of pulmonary barotrauma in scuba divers, and assess impairment from occupational asthma. Risk assessment before anesthesia or cardiothoracic surgery can be measured as well as detection of vocal cord dysfunction and the ongoing treatment of existing lung conditions.
In order to get accurate results from this test the patient needs to fully cooperate with the instructions given. Children aged 6 years and over can take the test as long as they can follow the instructions. It will not work for those who are unconscious, are unable to understand the instructions, are heavily sedated, or have limited respiratory function.
Spirometers are an invaluable instrument for checking lung function while doing rigorous exercise, to check for hyper-responsiveness to the inhalation of either cold or dry air, for bronchial challenge testing, and when using medications such as methacholine or histamines.
When used on patients who currently have a lung condition, it can show the efficacy of medication that was prescribed and to monitor symptoms. Conditions such as asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema can be diagnosed with this test.
Before taking the test, patients are advised not to use any medications or inhalants for the most accurate readings. Large meals should be avoided in order to breath easier and loose clothing is recommended so that the patient will not be constricted in their breathing.
A soft nose clip is worn to prevent air from escaping the nostrils and a filter will be placed over the mouthpiece of the instrument for sanitation purposes. The patient will be asked to take a deep breath and then exhale as hard as possible for a few seconds into the mouthpiece of the spirometer. This can cause shortness of breath or dizziness that will pass in a few moments. The test will be repeated a couple of times and the readings will be compared to make sure they are accurate and consistent.
If inhaled medications are administered after the initial test to keep the lungs open, one should wait at least 15 minutes before taking another test. Comparison can then be made between the two tests to see if the medication improved airflow. Each test takes less than 15 minutes to do. The measurements include the largest amount of air that can be exhaled, called forced vital capacity (FVC), and another reading shows how much air can be exhaled in one second, known as forced expiratory volume (FEV-1).
This test is used to detect respiratory disease in patients who present symptoms of breathlessness, to diagnose and manage asthma, and to distinguish respiratory conditions from those of cardiac disease. It is used to differentiate between obstructive and restrictive lung disease, measure bronchial responsiveness, identify risk of pulmonary barotrauma in scuba divers, and assess impairment from occupational asthma. Risk assessment before anesthesia or cardiothoracic surgery can be measured as well as detection of vocal cord dysfunction and the ongoing treatment of existing lung conditions.
In order to get accurate results from this test the patient needs to fully cooperate with the instructions given. Children aged 6 years and over can take the test as long as they can follow the instructions. It will not work for those who are unconscious, are unable to understand the instructions, are heavily sedated, or have limited respiratory function.
Spirometers are an invaluable instrument for checking lung function while doing rigorous exercise, to check for hyper-responsiveness to the inhalation of either cold or dry air, for bronchial challenge testing, and when using medications such as methacholine or histamines.
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