Spirometer

A spirometer is a medical device used to measure lung function by assessing the volume and flow of air inhaled and exhaled by the lungs. It is commonly used in diagnosing and monitoring respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and fibrosis.

Types of Spirometers:
Volume Spirometer: Measures the total volume of air exhaled (e.g., wet bell, dry bell).

Flow Spirometer: Measures the rate of airflow (e.g., pneumotachometer, turbine spirometer).

Incentive Spirometer: Encourages deep breathing to prevent lung complications after surgery or illness.

Key Measurements:
FVC (Forced Vital Capacity): Total air exhaled forcefully after a deep breath.

FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second): Air exhaled in the first second of the test.

FEV1/FVC Ratio: Helps differentiate obstructive (e.g., asthma, COPD) from restrictive (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis) lung diseases.

Uses:
Diagnosing respiratory diseases.

Monitoring disease progression or treatment effectiveness.

Preoperative lung function assessment.

Occupational health screenings (e.g., for workers exposed to dust or chemicals).

Procedure:
The patient takes a deep breath.

Exhale as hard and fast as possible into the spirometer.

The test is repeated for consistency.