What is a Spirometer and How to Use it?
Did you know you can blow into a machine to find out how well your lungs work? It’s true! A spirometer is a piece of hospital equipment that measures how much air you can breathe in and out as well as how rapidly you can blow it out.
It functions like a lungs-specific fitness tracker! You can find spirometers in doctor’s offices, hospitals, and even at home.
So next time you’re curious about your lung capacity, try a spirometer! You might discover that you have superhero-level lung power.
What is a Spirometer?
A spirometer is a machine used in medicine to evaluate lung capacity. It measures the volume of air an individual can inhale and exhale and the airflow speed during breathing.
The air that stays in the lungs after a long exhale can also be measured by the instrument. It is a non-invasive instrument that aids in the diagnosis of lung function problems, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Types of Spirometers
There are different types of spirometers available in the market, including:
Hand-held spirometers: These portable spirometers can be easily carried to different locations. They run on batteries and are suitable for use in homes, clinics, and hospitals.
Desktop spirometers: These are larger spirometers usually used in hospitals and clinics. They are more accurate than hand-held spirometers and can measure a broader range of lung functions.
Wireless spirometers: These spirometers use Bluetooth or other wireless technology to connect to a computer or mobile device.
Spirometer Uses
1. Diagnosis of lung conditions: Spirometry is widely used to provide a diagnosis for lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and asthma. Doctors can assess lung function to evaluate the condition’s severity and the best course of action.
2. Monitoring lung function: Spirometry is also used to monitor lung function in people with known lung conditions, to track changes over time, and adjust treatment accordingly.
3. Preoperative evaluation: Spirometry may be used to assess lung function before surgery, particularly for procedures that require anesthesia. This makes it simpler to identify any potential problems and evaluate the procedure’s safety.
4. Occupational testing: Spirometry is often used in occupational health settings to assess the lung function of workers exposed to respiratory hazards such as dust or chemicals. This helps identify work-related lung conditions and implement appropriate safety measures.
Spirometer machine uses are not limited to the above-mentioned pointers. It can also be used as a tool to encourage smokers to quit by showing them their lung damage. It is also used for athletes to show their lung health or any potential issue that might affect their game.
How to Use a Spirometer
Using a spirometer is a simple and painless process. Here are the steps:
- Sit in a comfortable position and make sure the spirometer is appropriately calibrated.
- Inhale deeply, then wrap your lips around the spirometer’s mouthpiece.
- Exhale quickly and forcefully through the spirometer until your lungs are completely empty.
- Wait a few seconds, then take a deep breath and exhale again into the spirometer.
- Repeat the method at least three times to ensure accurate results.
- Once you have completed the test, the spirometer will provide a report showing your lung function.
Let us take a look at various spirometers available in the market:
RMS Helios 401 Spirometer: Helios series spirometers are variable in both based and stand-alone versions. The Helios spirometer comes with advanced yet user-friendly features. It can measure various pulmonary diseases. RMS is the leading provider for pc based spirometers in the market.
Airlife Spirometer: A compact device perfect for mobile health. The machine is manufactured to be carried/held comfortably while measuring. The airlife spirometer can read volumes up to 4000 ml. It has a one-way valve allowing patients to inhale rather than exhale. The tube is flexible and allows accessible readings.
MIR Smart One Personal Spirometer: A pocket-sized spirometer that connects to your smart devices through Bluetooth. It has an app known as MIR Smart One, which allows you to track and store your readings over time. This device can measure peak flow and FEV1 values. Because of its design and high tech, MIR Smart One spirometers are more pricey than other available spirometers.
Spirometer devices are essential for diagnosing respiratory disorders and monitoring lung function. The different types of spirometers available in the market make it easier for healthcare professionals to use them in other settings.
Anyone can accurately evaluate their lung function with a spirometer by following the straightforward instructions provided above.
Medical equipment is easily available in the market nowadays. With the correct prescription, anyone can buy bp machines, BiPAP machines, and more. Tentabs is another platform that sells medical equipment online at great prices.
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