Inhale and exhale: the benefits of spirometry for respiratory health
Breathing is the easiest thing in the world… until it’s not. For people suffering from respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), breathing can become difficult because of issues in the airways and the lungs. Early detection and accurate monitoring can mean the difference between managing a condition effectively or letting it go undetected until it worsens. One of the most essential tools in diagnosing and managing pulmonary conditions is spirometry.
In this article, we will examine the main benefits of spirometry for respiratory health.
What is spirometry?
Spirometry is a non-invasive pulmonary function test that can provide insights into a patient’s pulmonary function by measuring how much air they can breathe and how quickly.
During a spirometry test, a patient is asked to take a deep breath and then breathe out forcefully into a device called a spirometer. Some of the key parameters measured by the spirometer are:
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), or the total amount of air a patient can exhale in a single breath
Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), or the amount of air exhaled in the first second
FEV1/FVC ratio
These three parameters can offer detailed insights into the nature of respiratory diseases, as they can be used to identify restrictive or obstructive patterns that may cause respiratory issues and the severity of respiratory impairment.
The role of spirometry in diagnostics
One of the primary benefits of spirometry is its role in early diagnosis.
By detecting the presence of airflow limitations due to restrictions or obstructions, spirometry enables clinicians to diagnose respiratory conditions even before the onset of symptoms, allowing for early intervention.
This can really make a difference for patients worldwide, as conditions like COPD, asthma, or interstitial lung disease often begin subtly and patients may seek medical assistance only when respiratory issues become debilitating.
How spirometry helps manage respiratory conditions
The importance of spirometry for patients with respiratory conditions does not end with diagnosis.
When coping with a chronic condition, long-term management becomes some sort of a commitment, as regular checks help keep track of the disease progression.
Regular spirometry tests provide reliable objective measurements that clinicians can use to assess improvements or declines in lung functions, as well as evaluate treatment response. This allows them to adjust therapeutic approaches to prevent exacerbations and hospitalizations.
Spirometry allows for better patient education
When they are more aware of their health status, patients can seize control of their condition and become more diligent and invested in their own well-being.
Thanks to the increasing portability and digital connectivity of modern spirometers, spirometry tests become more accessible, not only in clinical settings but also in domestic environments.
Easy-to-read results make it easier to understand their lung function and adhere to prescribed treatments. Modern devices often provide connectivity options to share test results with physicians, consolidating the cooperation between patients and healthcare providers.
Where to find the best spirometer for your tests
With over 30 years of experience, MIR is a world-renowned company in the field of oximetry and respiratory care. Our solutions for the diagnosis and management of respiratory diseases in professional diagnostic, home-based care, and clinical trials are available in more than 100 countries. Find out more on our website.