Spirometry

Spirometry: Measurement of respiratory function for diagnosis and monitoring

Spirometry is a diagnostic research method used to measure the volume and velocity of respiratory flow in patients. It is widely used in medicine to assess pulmonary function, diagnose and monitor various respiratory diseases.

The term spirometry comes from the Greek word spiro (breath) and the Latin word metreo (to measure). Spirometry allows you to measure the volumes and speeds of inhalation and exhalation, as well as estimate the volumes and speeds of air flow in various phases of the respiratory cycle.

The spirometry procedure is usually performed using a special device called a spirometer. The patient is asked to take a deep breath and then exhale as much as possible into the device. The spirometer records the volume of air that a patient can exhale in a certain time, as well as the rate of exhalation. This data is then analyzed and interpreted by a doctor.

Spirometry provides a lot of information about lung function and can help diagnose various respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis and emphysema. It is also used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and monitor disease progress.

Spirometry results are usually presented in the form of graphs and numerical values, which are examined by a doctor to determine the presence of pathological changes in the respiratory system. Some of the most important measurements obtained from spirometry include forced pulmonary capacity (FVC1), the volume of air exhaled in the first second after a maximum inhalation, and forced vital capacity (FVC), the volume of air exhaled after a full inhalation.

Spirometry is a safe procedure, but may be unpleasant for some patients, especially those who have breathing limitations. Therefore, it is important to conduct the study under the supervision of experienced medical personnel.

In conclusion, spirometry is a valuable tool in the diagnosis, evaluation and monitoring of various respiratory diseases. It provides information about lung function that helps physicians make treatment decisions and improve patients' quality of life. Spirometry continues to evolve and improve, and in the future we can expect even more accurate and informative methods for measuring respiratory function.