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30 October 2013

All You Must Know About Spirometer

By Marsha Klein


Medicine has become a major part of modern life. Without the aid of modern medicine we would not be able to fight the life threatening diseases that exist today. But even with the aid of modern medicine man would be helpless if he was not able to diagnose the health problems that are affecting them. We can keep track of our lung capacity and functioning with the aid of any spirometer.

This machine is not just a single device. There are many kinds of machines that falls under this category. All the devices work to measure lung capacity and functioning, while some can even help your lung recuperate. The Pneumotachometer is a commonly used machine that can be used in any environment. The machine does not require the patient to breathe in any controlled environment to get the correct readings.

At times there is need to have a controlled environment to be able to get the correct measurements. Putting the patient in a controlled and enclosed environment can help understand the patients body better. The plethysmograph helps you do exactly that. Here the patient has to stay in an enclosed space and breathe the air that is passed in and out of the breathing device.

Devices that use movable parts and meshes are bound to offer incorrect readings at times. The chances of such error are reduced with the help of the electronic devices. The device uses ultrasonic transducers and change in air pressure to measure the lung capacity. So, it can offer a more correct reading.

One device that does not just measure the air flow but assists it is the Incentive Spirometers. After many surgeries this device is prescribed to many patients to help regain lung strength. The mouthpiece is to be blown into. After the device is blown into, it forces air back into the lung popping open the alveoli. This can help increase the lung strength.

The power of the lung can be measured best by measuring the out flow of the lung. The hand held version, peak flow meter, measures the rate of airflow through the bronchi. If there is any obstruction in the air flow then the measurements can tell you that. So the machine can help detect any kind of blockage in the lung.

Having rotating discs measure the air flow instead of any fluid is the best way to measure lung capacity. You can thus blow into the windmill-type or spiropet device to get the measurements. Expert supervision may be required to help you hold the device in the right position. If the device is not held horizontally the measurements may be incorrect.

Similarly the tilt type spirometer needs to be held in a slightly angular horizontal position. This position is the correct position in which the device must be held while the measurement is taken. If the device is moved even a bit then the measurements may be off. There are devices that you can use all by yourself. In all you can trust these devices to give you the right lung readings.




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