Many people neglect the importance of healthy lungs until they experience breathing problems. Smoking, work conditions, and worsening asthma are only some of the risk factors that may compromise the functions of your lungs. If you’re worried about yours, using a spirometer will help diagnose and monitor the conditions of your lungs.

What is Spirometry?

Spirometry is a common type of pulmonary function or breathing test used to help diagnose and monitor certain lung conditions. It involves the use of a specialised machine called a spirometer which can detect the flow rate and volume of air that moves through the tube into the machine. Simply put, it measures how much air you can breathe in and out of your lungs, as well as how fast you can blow the air out of your lungs in one forced breath.

Since the test requires some exertion, a spirometry test cannot be performed if you’ve recently had a heart attack, chest surgery, or abdominal surgery. Your doctor will wait for your full recovery as it may trigger severe breathing problems. Aside from its patient limitations, it’s generally a safe test for everyone!

Why You Should Use A Spirometer

Aside from being a quick, effective respiratory tool for patients, there are several reasons why doctors recommend using a spirometer, sometimes at home or in the clinics. Here are the reasons why it’s a great investment:

You think you have a respiratory disease

If you’ve been experiencing persistent coughs or shortness of breath, your doctor may order the use of a spirometry machine to diagnose your possible lung problem. It can pick up respiratory diseases and be used to check the severity of your condition.

Note: If you’re using the spirometry device at home, ensure that you have the proper guidance and monitoring from your healthcare provider and a family member to assist you.

Your work puts you in an occupational hazard

Asthmatics and employees with COPD or cystic fibrosis may be at increased risk because of exposure to symptom triggers in the workplace. Implementing a spirometry program helps you identify particular inhalants in the work environment and which workers are most affected. With this, it helps prevent exacerbating lung diseases or other respiratory conditions.

You’re about to get surgery

Spirometry before a planned surgery is also common. It’s used to check if your lungs are in adequate health for the rigors of an operation, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with respiratory conditions.

Note: If breathing into the spirometer causes pain, ask your doctor for assistance so you can take deep breaths for the test.

You’re recovering from surgery

Your doctor may suggest that you use a handheld incentive spirometer after you’ve recently had surgery. It’s an effective tool that can keep your lungs active during bed rest. Using this will help lower the risk of developing complications, such as atelectasis, pneumonia, bronchospasms, and respiratory failure.

You need to monitor the effectiveness of your medicine

Doctors often ask patients to track their respiratory health when recovering from pneumonia, rib damage, or any medical procedure. One of the tools they prescribe to do this is a spirometer. It has the ability to provide accurate interpretations that will help in recording lung function with medication.

How to Prepare for Your Spirometry Test?

If you experience symptoms related to respiratory diseases, schedule in a spirometry test with your healthcare provider. However, if you have limited mobility, a doctor may guide you on how to use a spirometer at home. Here’s how you can prepare: 

• Take daily medications unless told otherwise.
• Wear loose clothing.
• Don’t smoke for at least 6 hours prior to your test.
• Avoid eating a large meal before your test.
• No strenuous exercises a few hours beforehand.
• Ask for a family member to help you.

After the test, you may feel short of breath or dizzy. If you’ve conducted the test in a clinic, your results won’t be given to you immediately. But, using an advanced at-home spirometer can give you interpretations in just minutes!

Do You Want Quality Spirometers? Order from Home Healthcare Online!

Spirometry is a straightforward test that can be done during a short visit to a doctor’s office or at home. Today, there are several health monitoring devices that can instantly send your spirometry interpretation results to your phone.

At Home Healthcare Online, we provide world-class health monitoring tools and other high-standard medical devices, including spirometers. Visit our website to purchase our masks spacer Australia, nebuliser Australia, peak flow Australia and more!