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 example is the pneumotachometer type which is designed to measure the flow rates of gases using a fine mesh. The mesh is designed such that it is sensitive enough to detect a difference in pressure in the outside environment from that inside the lungs. The advantage with this form of device is that the patients can breathe in fresh air as the experiment is being done.
Electronic types have also been developed that are able to measure flow rates without need of fine meshes or moving parts. They operate by measuring speed of flow using ultrasonic transducers. They have the advantage of having greater accuracy in their measure of pressure difference because they have fewer chances of errors. They also allow better hygiene among patients because they allow fully disposable channels of air flow.
There is a specialized types which is the best for patient who need respiratory lung support called incentive spirometers. These devices have a unique ability of supporting the pulmonary function in addition to obtaining lung volumes. Where there is need to determine the ability of a patient to breathe out properly a special type called a peak expiratory device is used.
The latest type is the Tilt-compensated spirometer which can be held in a horizontal position as the process of measurement continues. This is more comfortable in that the patient takes the position that best suits him. There are many other types that are still not very well understood but generally the use of these devices has made the practice of medicine very efficient.
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 example is the pneumotachometer type which is designed to measure the flow rates of gases using a fine mesh. The mesh is designed such that it is sensitive enough to detect a difference in pressure in the outside environment from that inside the lungs. The advantage with this form of device is that the patients can breathe in fresh air as the experiment is being done.
Electronic types have also been developed that are able to measure flow rates without need of fine meshes or moving parts. They operate by measuring speed of flow using ultrasonic transducers. They have the advantage of having greater accuracy in their measure of pressure difference because they have fewer chances of errors. They also allow better hygiene among patients because they allow fully disposable channels of air flow.
There is a specialized types which is the best for patient who need respiratory lung support called incentive spirometers. These devices have a unique ability of supporting the pulmonary function in addition to obtaining lung volumes. Where there is need to determine the ability of a patient to breathe out properly a special type called a peak expiratory device is used.
The latest type is the Tilt-compensated spirometer which can be held in a horizontal position as the process of measurement continues. This is more comfortable in that the patient takes the position that best suits him. There are many other types that are still not very well understood but generally the use of these devices has made the practice of medicine very efficient.
About the Author:
Read more about An Insight Into The Development Of A Spirometer visiting our website.
No comments :
Post a Comment