Peak Flow Meters/Spirometers

Understanding Spirometers And Why Should You Use A Spirometer

What is a Spirometer?

A spirometer is a device used to measure the volume of air inhaled and exhaled by the lungs. A spirometer measures ventilation, the movement of air into and out of the lungs. The spirogram will identify two different types of abnormal ventilation patterns, namely obstructive and restrictive. There are various types of spirometers which use a number of different methods for measurement (pressure transducers, ultrasonic, water gauge, etc.). A person breathes into the spirometer, forcefully and with all their strength. The spirometer then measures the amount of air exhaled by the lungs and also the speed at which it was exhaled.

It lets the user know whether there is an obstruction in the lungs or the airways. It can detect the presence of lung disease and also lets the user know the severity of the lung disease. One should always contact a doctor based on the readings and should not assess the problem on their own.

What does a Spirometer do?

It diagnoses certain types of lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. It is also used to find the cause of shortness of breath and measure whether exposure to chemicals at work affects lung function. It is used to check lung function before someone goes through surgery, assess the effect of the medication, and measure the progress of the treatment.

Why is a Spirometer used?

A spirometer is used for the following reasons:

• Diagnose certain types of lung disease
• Find the causes of shortness of breath
• Measure whether exposure to chemicals affects the lungs
• Check lung function
• Assess the effect of some medications
• Measure progress in disease treatment

Types of Spirometers

There are six different types of spirometers based on the location where they are placed and the techniques they use to measure lung function:

• Whole Body Plethysmograph - It gives the most accurate measurements since it is taken in an enclosed space.
• Pneumotachometer - Determines the flow rate of gases. The best part is that the user can breathe fresh air during the test.
• Fully Electronic Spirometer - Household spirometers can be used to measure basic lung function easily and without any hassle.
• Incentive Spirometer - Used to help the patient improve their lung function. Such as - The airLife Incentive Spirometer 
• Peak Flow Meter - It is used to measure how well a person’s lungs expand.
• Windmill-type Spirometer - It is used for measuring the forced vital capacity without using water.

What is an Incentive Spirometer?

An incentive spirometer is a device used to help patients improve the functioning of their lungs. It is given to patients who have had any surgery that might put in danger the respiratory function, particularly surgery to the lungs themselves. It is also commonly given to patients recovering from cardiac or other surgery involving extended time under anesthesia and prolonged in-bed recovery. The incentive spirometer is also issued to patients recovering from pneumonia or rib damage to help minimize the chance of fluid build-up in the lungs. It can be used as well by wind instrument players, who want to improve their airflow.

What are my options?

There are a number of options. For example, the CareFusion AirLife Volumetric Incentive Spirometer With One-Way Valve is used for breath and lung exercise that helps keep lungs healthy. Subsequently, the handheld device comes with an intuitive design that keeps lungs clear after surgery or for patients with lung ailments like COPD or pneumonia. The Compact Spirometer device is made with plastic material and available with a mouthpiece. This Incentive Spirometer is ideal for deep breathing therapy and is easy to use. It is specially designed for patients who can correctly perform and monitor their breathing exercises even without direct supervision. Similarly, the Smiths Medical Portex Flow-Based Incentive Spirometer is a small hand-held tool with a breathing tube and air chamber that is used to measure the air taken into and exhaled by the lungs. It is used when recovering from surgery to help keep lungs active. Voldyne 2500 mL Incentive Spirometer is the ideal choice for patients requiring post-operative physiotherapy. It delivers a reliable measurement of inhaled lung volumes to maximize clinical outcomes. The volume measurement up to 2500 mL accommodates smaller inspired volumes. CareFusion AirLife Pediatric Volumetric Incentive Spirometer With One-Way Valve simplifies deep breathing therapy with an intuitive design that prompts patients to correctly perform and monitor their own breathing exercises, even without direct supervision. A patient goal indicator can be adjusted and allows patients to monitor their own progress.

 

CareFusion AirLife Volumetric Incentive Spirometer With One-Way Valve	Smiths Medical Portex Flow-Based Incentive Spirometer	Voldyne 2500 mL Incentive Spirometer	CareFusion AirLife Pediatric Spirometer With One-Way Valve

 

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