How And Why Spirometers Are Used

By Celia Hall


Spirometers were invented to offer pulmonologists a way of measuring and evaluating a person's breathing patterns and lung function. Spirometry equipment is used more frequently than any other kind of pulmonary function tools. Such devices can measure the volume of the air one inhales and the speed at which it flows during each respiration. A respiration is simply the complete cycle of inhaling and exhaling.

A spirometer is a very important tool used to diagnose various medical conditions including pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, asthma, cystic fibrosis, obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, and a vast array of other lung conditions. There are numerous models from which a medical practitioner can choose; however, most contain a graph that tracks the patient's spirograms, which is the technical word for respiration measurements.

Those suffering from any type of respiratory problem typically benefit from the use of a spirometer. The first device of this kind was invented in the middle of the 19th century. However, today's contemporary spirometry equipment is quite different from that used during the 1800s.

Such devices are also utilized to anticipate future health issues for which certain individuals are at risk. The determination of respiratory capacity and strength is imperative if a medical practitioner is to predict potential future problems in some patients. For this reason, equipment of this type is found in essentially every medical facility. In surgical hospitals, spirometers are frequently used to test patients' post surgery lung capacity.

Spirometry equipment also assists physicians and other health care professionals to track the effectiveness of a certain treatment or the rate at which a specific illness is progressing. The tool can also be used to discover whether or not a particular pulmonary disorder is disrupting or restricting the person's airflow. Essentially all pulmonary specialists utilize such equipment each day.

The machine itself is made up of a test box, disposable tubing and a mouthpiece. The person breathes into the tubing as normally as possible and his or her breathing patterns are tracked and displayed. In order to gain an accurate reading, one must sometimes complete multiple tasks. The procedure itself can take anywhere from several minutes to a full hour or more.

The time it takes to complete respiration evaluation with this kind of device depends upon the type of information the individual's doctor is trying to obtain. The final results of the full test are given to the patient's pulmonologist who can make an evaluation and recommend the appropriate plan of care for the patient. This information is also highly beneficial regarding the effectiveness of various medications or treatments.

Doctors who specialize in disorders of the lung often suggest regular testing for their patients in order to efficiently monitor their progress. Such equipment is particularly helpful for individuals with rare illnesses, such as mesothelioma. This is because, unlike many other devices, a spirometer is able to measure lung function in both the upper and lower lobes, which allows the physician to pinpoint specific problem areas. Due to the many benefits they offer, spirometers will likely remain an integral part of the diagnosing process for lung patients throughout the world.




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