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.

A variety of tests are conducted utilizing this tool. This is a device that can detect subtle changes of air pressure. The device is able to detect negative changes regarding breathing capacity. These devices are able to produce a chart that demonstrates the airflow of the patient. The graphical chart allows the doctor to see the amount of air the patient can inhale and exhale.

The first device of this kind was a tube that was placed into water. When the tube moved up and down it showed the pattern of breathing of the patient. There was a pen attached to the machine that would graph the results. A trained technician would then read the results and could monitor the lung capacity. There are other types of related devices that measure breathing and lung capacity.

Technicians obtain specialized training to administer this test. When individuals take this test for the first time, they are assessed by a technician. After they are made to be familiar with the device, the test is given and then the technician collects the data. There are three breathing patterns that are tested to obtain a range of values in order to determine the patient's health.

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.

People suffering from chronic breathing disorders will need to be monitored on a regular basis. This is an effective tool in finding the underlying cause of a breathing issue. Chronic diseases are monitored over the course of several years. This type of test can be conducted in in a series of sessions. The doctor can easily monitor changes and prescribed the best treatment for their patient.

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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