Doctors use spirometers to test air flow inhaled and exhaled through the lungs. This test is used for the diagnosis of breathing conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, and generally testing of lung capacity. It is also helpful in monitoring those who are being treated for existing lung conditions.
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.
Prior to taking the test one will need to avoid using inhaled or other medications. Loose clothing should be worn that will not constrict the ability to take a deep breath and one should avoid eating a large meal before testing so that breathing will be easier.
Before the test begins a soft clip will be placed on the nose to prevent air from escaping though it as well as a mouthpiece filter will be used to guard against contaminants. A deep breath will be taken and then exhaled as hard as is possible into the mouthpiece on the spirometer to test air flow. This can cause one to feel dizzy for a bit or have shortness of breath. One may be asked to repeat this three times to get an accurate reading.
Sometimes a person will be given inhaled medications after the first test to allow the lungs to open more. At least 15 minutes should pass before administering the second test. The tests will then be compared to see if there is an improvement in airflow. Overall the testing will take less than 15 minutes. The results will include a vital capacity (FVC) test to show the most amount of air that can be exhaled, and a forced expiratory volume (FEV-1) test to show how much air is exhaled in a second.
This test is often used to detect respiratory disease in patients who exhibit symptoms of shortness of breath, to diagnose and manage asthma, and to differentiate between cardiac disease and respiratory conditions. It is used to measure the efficacy of treatment in conditions previously detected, to diagnose vocal cord dysfunction, identify the risk of pulmonary barotrauma in scuba divers, access the damage from occupational asthma, differentiate between restrictive and obstructive lung disease, and to measure bronchial responsiveness.
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 can check for the effects of medication usage such as histamine or a methacholine agents, check the hyper-responsiveness to either inhalation of dry or cold air, or provide bronchial challenge testing. Some other lung tests that can be performed are a plethysmography or nitrogen washout.
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.
Prior to taking the test one will need to avoid using inhaled or other medications. Loose clothing should be worn that will not constrict the ability to take a deep breath and one should avoid eating a large meal before testing so that breathing will be easier.
Before the test begins a soft clip will be placed on the nose to prevent air from escaping though it as well as a mouthpiece filter will be used to guard against contaminants. A deep breath will be taken and then exhaled as hard as is possible into the mouthpiece on the spirometer to test air flow. This can cause one to feel dizzy for a bit or have shortness of breath. One may be asked to repeat this three times to get an accurate reading.
Sometimes a person will be given inhaled medications after the first test to allow the lungs to open more. At least 15 minutes should pass before administering the second test. The tests will then be compared to see if there is an improvement in airflow. Overall the testing will take less than 15 minutes. The results will include a vital capacity (FVC) test to show the most amount of air that can be exhaled, and a forced expiratory volume (FEV-1) test to show how much air is exhaled in a second.
This test is often used to detect respiratory disease in patients who exhibit symptoms of shortness of breath, to diagnose and manage asthma, and to differentiate between cardiac disease and respiratory conditions. It is used to measure the efficacy of treatment in conditions previously detected, to diagnose vocal cord dysfunction, identify the risk of pulmonary barotrauma in scuba divers, access the damage from occupational asthma, differentiate between restrictive and obstructive lung disease, and to measure bronchial responsiveness.
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 can check for the effects of medication usage such as histamine or a methacholine agents, check the hyper-responsiveness to either inhalation of dry or cold air, or provide bronchial challenge testing. Some other lung tests that can be performed are a plethysmography or nitrogen washout.
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