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.
When taking the test a soft clip will be placed on the nostrils to keep them closed and filtered mouthpieces may be used to prevent the spread of germs. The patient will then take a deep breath and breathe out as hard as possible for a few seconds into a tube that is attached to the spirometer. Dizziness or shortness of breath may be felt shortly after doing this. The test may need to be repeated up to three times to get consistent and accurate readings.
Sometimes a person will be given inhaled medications after the first test to allow the lungs to open more. At least 15 minutes should pass before administering the second test. The tests will then be compared to see if there is an improvement in airflow. Overall the testing will take less than 15 minutes. The results will include a vital capacity (FVC) test to show the most amount of air that can be exhaled, and a forced expiratory volume (FEV-1) test to show how much air is exhaled in a second.
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.
Patient cooperation is required for accurate results, it can be used on children who understand the instructions of what they need to do which is usually the age of 6 or older. It is not a test that can be done on patients who are unable to understand the instructions, are unconscious, have limitation of respiratory efforts, or are heavily sedated.
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.
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.
When taking the test a soft clip will be placed on the nostrils to keep them closed and filtered mouthpieces may be used to prevent the spread of germs. The patient will then take a deep breath and breathe out as hard as possible for a few seconds into a tube that is attached to the spirometer. Dizziness or shortness of breath may be felt shortly after doing this. The test may need to be repeated up to three times to get consistent and accurate readings.
Sometimes a person will be given inhaled medications after the first test to allow the lungs to open more. At least 15 minutes should pass before administering the second test. The tests will then be compared to see if there is an improvement in airflow. Overall the testing will take less than 15 minutes. The results will include a vital capacity (FVC) test to show the most amount of air that can be exhaled, and a forced expiratory volume (FEV-1) test to show how much air is exhaled in a second.
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.
Patient cooperation is required for accurate results, it can be used on children who understand the instructions of what they need to do which is usually the age of 6 or older. It is not a test that can be done on patients who are unable to understand the instructions, are unconscious, have limitation of respiratory efforts, or are heavily sedated.
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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