A spirometer is an instrument that measures the volume of air entering and exiting the lungs. This ability is very important in that the flow rate gases entering the body at any given time can be determined. It also serves as a useful indicator in clinical medicine in assessing the health status of the respiratory system in an individual. By measuring the rate of air expired, it gives an idea of how clear the airways are and the elasticity of lung tissues which is key in the diagnosis of chronic obstructive lung diseases like asthma.
Currently there are many types of these apparatus that are specialized to establish different aspects of lung conditions. However these devices began long time ago in 200 A. D through the idea of a Greek doctor and philosopher called Claudius Galen who used a young boy and a human bladder. He observed that the volume of air in the bladder did not change when breathed into it. His idea was inconclusive according to his peers but it formed a foundation formed which further studies would be carried out.
Several years later, another researcher called Borelli in trying to measure the amount of air that can be inhaled in one breathe cycle used water displacement as the unit to estimate volume. The results of this experiment were impressive and acceptable so it was taken to be the basis of the new models. Over the years different researchers have modified and refined the initial models into more accurate and sophisticated devices that are better used in the diagnosis of both heart and lung diseases.
As technology and knowledge increases, many different varieties have come into place. Today the devices are more specific in the results they give and the test they do. An example includes the whole body plethysmograph which is considered to be very accurate in measurement unlike the other types. It is the standard of reference for the other devices when measuring lung function. The patient doing this test must be kept in an enclosed small space for best results.
Another type is the Pneumotachometer that measures the rate of flow of gases by using a fine mesh that is able to detect differences in pressure. It is very useful and of advantage to very ill patient because the patient breath fresh air during the process.
There are also electronic forms of these devices that do not require moving parts or meshes but they utilize ultrasonic transducers that are able to accurately determine the rate of flow and volumes. These types are more accurate and reliable because they are automated and thus not likely to having mistakes. They also have a disposable portion of air channels that patients use and discard immediately after. This makes them very good in terms of hygiene and safe from transmission of infections.
Another special type of these instruments is the incentive design, this is preferred by most clinicians when they have ill patients because in addition to giving the values of the lung volumes, they are designed to assist the patient by improving the lung functioning. There is also a peak expiratory flow type that is used to measure the ability of a person to breathe out.
A tilted-compensated spirometer is considered the latest to be discovered and to come to market. These types are very efficient because they can be tilted to horizontal plane to accommodate the position a patient is lying. The field of medicine has become very efficient because of the accuracy of these devices
Currently there are many types of these apparatus that are specialized to establish different aspects of lung conditions. However these devices began long time ago in 200 A. D through the idea of a Greek doctor and philosopher called Claudius Galen who used a young boy and a human bladder. He observed that the volume of air in the bladder did not change when breathed into it. His idea was inconclusive according to his peers but it formed a foundation formed which further studies would be carried out.
Several years later, another researcher called Borelli in trying to measure the amount of air that can be inhaled in one breathe cycle used water displacement as the unit to estimate volume. The results of this experiment were impressive and acceptable so it was taken to be the basis of the new models. Over the years different researchers have modified and refined the initial models into more accurate and sophisticated devices that are better used in the diagnosis of both heart and lung diseases.
As technology and knowledge increases, many different varieties have come into place. Today the devices are more specific in the results they give and the test they do. An example includes the whole body plethysmograph which is considered to be very accurate in measurement unlike the other types. It is the standard of reference for the other devices when measuring lung function. The patient doing this test must be kept in an enclosed small space for best results.
Another type is the Pneumotachometer that measures the rate of flow of gases by using a fine mesh that is able to detect differences in pressure. It is very useful and of advantage to very ill patient because the patient breath fresh air during the process.
There are also electronic forms of these devices that do not require moving parts or meshes but they utilize ultrasonic transducers that are able to accurately determine the rate of flow and volumes. These types are more accurate and reliable because they are automated and thus not likely to having mistakes. They also have a disposable portion of air channels that patients use and discard immediately after. This makes them very good in terms of hygiene and safe from transmission of infections.
Another special type of these instruments is the incentive design, this is preferred by most clinicians when they have ill patients because in addition to giving the values of the lung volumes, they are designed to assist the patient by improving the lung functioning. There is also a peak expiratory flow type that is used to measure the ability of a person to breathe out.
A tilted-compensated spirometer is considered the latest to be discovered and to come to market. These types are very efficient because they can be tilted to horizontal plane to accommodate the position a patient is lying. The field of medicine has become very efficient because of the accuracy of these devices
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