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.
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 the test is performed, patients who are on inhalant or other medications should skip using them during testing. Avoid eating a large meal so as to make breathing easier and wear loose clothing so that breathing will be unconstricted.
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 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.
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 the test is performed, patients who are on inhalant or other medications should skip using them during testing. Avoid eating a large meal so as to make breathing easier and wear loose clothing so that breathing will be unconstricted.
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 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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Our medical products at www.henanmedical.com contain some of the best spirometers that health care facilities need. To order from us, visit http://www.henanmedical.com.
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