Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Understand More About How Spirometers Function

By Paula Barron


Spirometers are instruments that are used to measure the amount of air that is taken into or exhaled from the lungs in a single breath. It records the rate and volume of breathes over a specific period of time. It is primarily used in the medical field to assess or help diagnose the condition of an individual's lung capacity.

Spirometry is commonly called a lung function test in the medical field. These tests are normally done so as to determine what the percentage of lung functionality an individual has. These tests may be necessary after any type of lung operation so as to determine if there is any improvement, similarly doctors also use it to determine if a prescribed medication is having any significant effect on the patients' condition.

This type of instrument comes in a large variety of designs and is manufactured by numerous companies, but essentially they perform the same functions. The smaller portable devices are popular for use within a doctor's surgery. This can avoid one from having to spend copious amounts in order to undergo testing with the sophisticated larger hospital models.

Your weight and height will have to be recorded prior to the test being carried out. Once this is done one will be asked to inhale, filling your lungs to capacity and then, placing your lips around the mouthpiece of the machine, you must exhale quickly, clearing the lungs of all their air. This may take only a few seconds, in certain cases you could be requested to exhale slowly instead, the sequence will largely depend on the specific physician that is carrying out the test.

To prevent air escaping though the nasal passage, a nose clip may be necessary. This sequence of breathing will have to be done 3 times, this is so as to see if the recordings are accurate. In certain instances you may be placed inside a glass compartment, this would mainly be to eliminate any external factors from affecting the reading.

Medical staff uses a specific equation to evaluate the readings. An age, sex and size ratio is then used in conjunction with the readings to check if they are normal. These factors will all be cross referenced to determine what normal ranges you would fall under.

If the test shows an obstructed or restricted reading then it basically means that your lungs are not stretching to their full capacity or pushing all the air out properly. This will be clear signs that asthma or any other types of lung diseases are present. There are no risks involved in taking this lung test, but caution should be exercised if you have any eye, heart or abdominal conditions that are unstable.

Prior to having to undergo testing with spirometers, it is important to remember that you will not be able to use an inhaler the day before, so make arrangements for this. Doctors may also request that you do not have any alcohol, partake in any strenuous exercises or eat a big meal a couple of hours before. Most importantly smokers may not have any cigarettes 24 hours before the tests are done.




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