Learn More About How Spirometers Work

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 most commonly referred to as lung function tests. These are normally carried out in order to determine how well the lungs are functioning. This test may be done after an operation, to try and detect any defects or to gauge the effects of medication that may have been prescribed for a COPD.

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.

Prior to testing your height and weight will be recorded. You will first have to inhale deeply, place your lips over the mouthpiece and exhale rapidly clearing out all the air in your lungs. This could take a few seconds, in some cases you may be requested to rather exhale slowly, this sequence will depend entirely on the physician that is doing the tests.

To stop air from being expelled via your nasal passages, it may be required to place a clip over the nostrils. This entire sequence of inhaling and exhaling is repeated three times to be able to accurately estimate if the reading is accurate. If need be one may be required to do the test alone inside a glass booth to ensure that there are no outside factors that could result in inaccurate readings.

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 going for the spirometers testing, you may be asked to refrain from using any kind of bronchial inhaler. Depending on the reason for the test doctors could also request that no alcohol, strenuous exercising or heavy meals be eaten a few hours before as well. Most importantly is if you are a smoker then one must not smoke 24 hour before testing.




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