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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.
For those who are currently taking medication for a lung condition, the spirometer test can show the efficacy of the medications and show if there is improvement. A doctor will order this test if they suspect a patient has such conditions as COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, or pulmonary fibrosis.
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.
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.
If inhaled medications are administered after the initial test to keep the lungs open, one should wait at least 15 minutes before taking another test. Comparison can then be made between the two tests to see if the medication improved airflow. Each test takes less than 15 minutes to do. The measurements include the largest amount of air that can be exhaled, called forced vital capacity (FVC), and another reading shows how much air can be exhaled in one second, known as forced expiratory volume (FEV-1).
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 to get accurate results from this test the patient needs to fully cooperate with the instructions given. Children aged 6 years and over can take the test as long as they can follow the instructions. It will not work for those who are unconscious, are unable to understand the instructions, are heavily sedated, or have limited respiratory function.
Spirometers are an invaluable instrument for checking lung function while doing rigorous exercise, to check for hyper-responsiveness to the inhalation of either cold or dry air, for bronchial challenge testing, and when using medications such as methacholine or histamines.
For those who are currently taking medication for a lung condition, the spirometer test can show the efficacy of the medications and show if there is improvement. A doctor will order this test if they suspect a patient has such conditions as COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, or pulmonary fibrosis.
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.
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.
If inhaled medications are administered after the initial test to keep the lungs open, one should wait at least 15 minutes before taking another test. Comparison can then be made between the two tests to see if the medication improved airflow. Each test takes less than 15 minutes to do. The measurements include the largest amount of air that can be exhaled, called forced vital capacity (FVC), and another reading shows how much air can be exhaled in one second, known as forced expiratory volume (FEV-1).
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 to get accurate results from this test the patient needs to fully cooperate with the instructions given. Children aged 6 years and over can take the test as long as they can follow the instructions. It will not work for those who are unconscious, are unable to understand the instructions, are heavily sedated, or have limited respiratory function.
Spirometers are an invaluable instrument for checking lung function while doing rigorous exercise, to check for hyper-responsiveness to the inhalation of either cold or dry air, for bronchial challenge testing, and when using medications such as methacholine or histamines.
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