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.
Prior to taking the test one will need to avoid using inhaled or other medications. Loose clothing should be worn that will not constrict the ability to take a deep breath and one should avoid eating a large meal before testing so that breathing will be easier.
Before the test begins a soft clip will be placed on the nose to prevent air from escaping though it as well as a mouthpiece filter will be used to guard against contaminants. A deep breath will be taken and then exhaled as hard as is possible into the mouthpiece on the spirometer to test air flow. This can cause one to feel dizzy for a bit or have shortness of breath. One may be asked to repeat this three times to get an accurate reading.
Sometimes inhaled medications will be used after the first test to open the lungs, a 15 minute break is advised before administering the next test. The tests can then be compared to see if the administered medication has improved the flow of air through the lungs. The tests typically take less than 15 minutes in total to administer. Measurements of the most amount of airflow exhaled, called forced vital capacity (FVC), as well as how much air is exhaled in a second, referred to as forced expiratory volume (FEV-1), are recorded.
This test is often used to detect respiratory disease in patients who exhibit symptoms of shortness of breath, to diagnose and manage asthma, and to differentiate between cardiac disease and respiratory conditions. It is used to measure the efficacy of treatment in conditions previously detected, to diagnose vocal cord dysfunction, identify the risk of pulmonary barotrauma in scuba divers, access the damage from occupational asthma, differentiate between restrictive and obstructive lung disease, and to measure bronchial responsiveness.
In order for this test to show accurate results, the patient needs to be cooperative. It can be used on children, but it is advised that they be at least 6 years of age or more. It is not a good test for those who are heavily sedated, have limited respiratory effort, are unconscious, or cannot understand the instructions.
Spirometers can check for the effects of medication usage such as histamine or a methacholine agents, check the hyper-responsiveness to either inhalation of dry or cold air, or provide bronchial challenge testing. Some other lung tests that can be performed are a plethysmography or nitrogen washout.
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.
Prior to taking the test one will need to avoid using inhaled or other medications. Loose clothing should be worn that will not constrict the ability to take a deep breath and one should avoid eating a large meal before testing so that breathing will be easier.
Before the test begins a soft clip will be placed on the nose to prevent air from escaping though it as well as a mouthpiece filter will be used to guard against contaminants. A deep breath will be taken and then exhaled as hard as is possible into the mouthpiece on the spirometer to test air flow. This can cause one to feel dizzy for a bit or have shortness of breath. One may be asked to repeat this three times to get an accurate reading.
Sometimes inhaled medications will be used after the first test to open the lungs, a 15 minute break is advised before administering the next test. The tests can then be compared to see if the administered medication has improved the flow of air through the lungs. The tests typically take less than 15 minutes in total to administer. Measurements of the most amount of airflow exhaled, called forced vital capacity (FVC), as well as how much air is exhaled in a second, referred to as forced expiratory volume (FEV-1), are recorded.
This test is often used to detect respiratory disease in patients who exhibit symptoms of shortness of breath, to diagnose and manage asthma, and to differentiate between cardiac disease and respiratory conditions. It is used to measure the efficacy of treatment in conditions previously detected, to diagnose vocal cord dysfunction, identify the risk of pulmonary barotrauma in scuba divers, access the damage from occupational asthma, differentiate between restrictive and obstructive lung disease, and to measure bronchial responsiveness.
In order for this test to show accurate results, the patient needs to be cooperative. It can be used on children, but it is advised that they be at least 6 years of age or more. It is not a good test for those who are heavily sedated, have limited respiratory effort, are unconscious, or cannot understand the instructions.
Spirometers can check for the effects of medication usage such as histamine or a methacholine agents, check the hyper-responsiveness to either inhalation of dry or cold air, or provide bronchial challenge testing. Some other lung tests that can be performed are a plethysmography or nitrogen washout.
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