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Spirometers are a very useful tool for a doctor to diagnose breathing conditions such as chronic obstructive disease (COPD) and lung capacity in general for those who present symptoms of concern. They are a great diagnostic tool for those who are currently under treatment for lung conditions to see if the treatment is effective. It measures the flow of air going in and out of the lungs and how fast it is moving.
If a doctor suspects symptoms are caused by such conditions as pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, COPD, or asthma, a test may be ordered. For those who have been diagnosed with one of these conditions, this test can be used to see how effective medication is working and to make sure symptoms are under control.
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.
A soft nose clip is worn to prevent air from escaping the nostrils and a filter will be placed over the mouthpiece of the instrument for sanitation purposes. The patient will be asked to take a deep breath and then exhale as hard as possible for a few seconds into the mouthpiece of the spirometer. This can cause shortness of breath or dizziness that will pass in a few moments. The test will be repeated a couple of times and the readings will be compared to make sure they are accurate and consistent.
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 used to detect respiratory disease in patients who present symptoms of breathlessness, to diagnose and manage asthma, and to distinguish respiratory conditions from those of cardiac disease. It is used to differentiate between obstructive and restrictive lung disease, measure bronchial responsiveness, identify risk of pulmonary barotrauma in scuba divers, and assess impairment from occupational asthma. Risk assessment before anesthesia or cardiothoracic surgery can be measured as well as detection of vocal cord dysfunction and the ongoing treatment of existing lung conditions.
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 be a part of bronchial challenge testing, to check hyper-responsiveness to either inhalation of dry or cold air, during rigorous exercise, or the use of a medication such as a histamine or a methacholine agent. Other lung function testing can include a nitrogen washout or a plethysmography.
If a doctor suspects symptoms are caused by such conditions as pulmonary fibrosis, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, COPD, or asthma, a test may be ordered. For those who have been diagnosed with one of these conditions, this test can be used to see how effective medication is working and to make sure symptoms are under control.
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.
A soft nose clip is worn to prevent air from escaping the nostrils and a filter will be placed over the mouthpiece of the instrument for sanitation purposes. The patient will be asked to take a deep breath and then exhale as hard as possible for a few seconds into the mouthpiece of the spirometer. This can cause shortness of breath or dizziness that will pass in a few moments. The test will be repeated a couple of times and the readings will be compared to make sure they are accurate and consistent.
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 used to detect respiratory disease in patients who present symptoms of breathlessness, to diagnose and manage asthma, and to distinguish respiratory conditions from those of cardiac disease. It is used to differentiate between obstructive and restrictive lung disease, measure bronchial responsiveness, identify risk of pulmonary barotrauma in scuba divers, and assess impairment from occupational asthma. Risk assessment before anesthesia or cardiothoracic surgery can be measured as well as detection of vocal cord dysfunction and the ongoing treatment of existing lung conditions.
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 be a part of bronchial challenge testing, to check hyper-responsiveness to either inhalation of dry or cold air, during rigorous exercise, or the use of a medication such as a histamine or a methacholine agent. Other lung function testing can include a nitrogen washout or a plethysmography.
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