How To Use Your Spirometer

By Helene Norris


Spirometry measures the amount of air you can breathe out and how much time you need for this. It can be used for diagnosing various lung diseases, including COPD, CF and asthma. Spirometer is very important tool used in evaluation of lung function, especially for people with restrictive or obstructive lung diseases.

There are several types of spirometers. Patients with various lung diseases typically take spirometry quarterly, under medical supervision. The test takes about few minutes, and the results are available instantly. The results show the degree of obstruction or restriction of air flow within the lung.

Small personal spirometers can be mechanical or digital. Both types are simple to use, and very useful for all people having problems with their lungs. This include CF, Pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and similar problems. People with such diseases can avoid numerous serious problems if they track their lung condition regularly.

Different diseases may affect your breathing and cause serious problems. If you check it regularly, you will be able to recognize the symptoms in time. You can inform your doctor about your lung capacity and get medical help sooner.

Incentive spirometer is a simple tool that can help patients suffering from pulmonary diseases, but it can also be very useful for people who are recovering from surgery. Patients who need to stay in bed for a long time often have troubles breathing properly, and that can result with pneumonia and lung collapse. Using this simple tool might help you keep your lungs in good condition.

During recovery period, people usually breathe shallow. Lungs cannot receive enough air this way, and fluids and mucus can obstruct their airways within one or both lungs. Built fluids can cause infections and pneumonia. That's why it is so important to breathe properly. Using spirometer may help you breathing properly, and this will keep your lungs clean and active.

Incentive spirometer can be mechanical, with simple tube to breathe in and ball showing you the amount of air breathed in and out. Digital ones are easier to use, but work on the same principle. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions about the amount of air you should breathe in in the beginning. You should practice it until you normal level is achieved. Breathe in, wait for few seconds and breathe out.

You should follow your doctor's instructions, but the usual method is to breathe this way maybe ten times in a row, at least several times a day. After completing one cycle, you should cough to remove accumulated mucus. If you are recovering from your chest or abdominal surgery, press a pillow on your incision while coughing.

Spirometer will give you very precise results about your lung condition. Remember to write these results and show them to your doctor. Chronic pulmonary diseases patients will be able to track down all possible changes, and inform their doctor about these changes before they cause air flow obstructions and even more serious health problems.



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