Make More Discoveries About Spirometer

By Celia Hall


Spirometer is an instrument that is mainly used in the medical field by medical practitioners. It is mainly used to measure the amount of air that enters the lungs and also the amount of air that leaves the lungs. Therefore, it is an important instrument to be used in measuring the lung volumes.

It is a half full of lime. This liquid mainly takes in the carbon dioxide gas as air passes across it. The overlying compartment moves depending on the movement of air across this well preserved liquid. A barrel that slowly rotates is connected to the chamber. It is referred to as a kymograph and it records the movement of the compartment in outward appearance of a graph.

The lungs have different volumes. These include vital capacity, tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume and expiratory reserve volume. All these can be calculated from the kymograph that is recorded while using the instrument.

This apparatus is mainly used for respiratory functions. It usually determines the condition of your lungs. Therefore, it is used as a diagnostic tool for diseases such as asthma and emphysema that affect how you breathe. It can also be used to monitor how your lungs respond during the treatment of such diseases.

The attempt to determine the capacities of the lungs began very many years ago. The very initial tools were rudimentary and tricky to use. Nonetheless, newer inventions have taken place and the modern devices used in spirometry work more efficiently and easily.

Spirometers are available in different versions. Whole body plethysmograph is very accurate. You are enclosed in a small room and then the measurements of your breathing are taken.

The type that measures the rate of flow of different gases is called pneumotachometer. Its action is based on the difference in the pressure of the gases across a given mesh. This variant is good because you are able to take in very fresh air during the experiment.

Some devices are electronic, meaning that they make utilize electrical power to estimate the quantity and velocity of air breathed in. They are precise as well as proficient in contrast to other types. Furthermore, they offer good hygiene for the reason that the channel for air can be disposed.

Other rarer types of the apparatus include incentive, peak flow, windmill, and tilt compensated type spirometers. They all have different mechanisms of action. Moreover, their efficiency and accuracy also vary.

These instruments have different sizes. Some are bulky and can only be used in the lab, such as water tank types. However, some are small, light and portable, such as windmill type.

You must be careful when using these devices. You must understand the regular health and safety guidelines prior to using them. They can actually stay for long when you use them well and take good care of them.

You should regularly make the mouthpiece germ-free using ethanol before use. This maintains hygiene and prevents the spread of infections. You should also avoid using the spirometer after a dynamic and tiresome exercise.




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