spirometry It is a clinical test that is used assist in detection and monitoring lung disease such as:
Through this test, which on Monday, October 14, celebrates Earth Day, The amount of air the patient can inhale and exhale is measured.thus giving an idea of the condition of the lungs.
It should be clear that spirometry does not know the type of disease that causes our lungs to not work at its level, but it does. it shows that there is a change in lung function.
This diagram shows how spirometry is performed / Photo: National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NIH)
How is spirometry performed?
The test is very simple. To be well, patient it releases all the air it can with the greatest possible force through the mouth connected to a named device spirometer.
It is the way it is they measure how much air goes in and out of the lungs, and how fast it can do it.
The advantages of this test are many, because it is simple:
- Es outpatientsthat is, it does not require hospitalization
- It doesn’t hurt
- It does not require any kind of preparation
- You should wear comfortable clothes that allow you to breathe well.
- It ends a little 10 minutes.
It is also not necessary to take medicine before drinking, although we must inform the doctor if we are receiving treatment.
And another good point: Spirometry is not contraindicated during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Despite its simplicity, spirometry is a reliable method of diagnosis. / FREEPIK
Experts emphasize the importance of this test
Despite its simplicity, spirometry It is a very useful tool for analysis.
This is confirmed by Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) who insists the need to have a spirometer in all hospitals of Spain and, if you already have one, use it as part of the patient screening process.
- Although it is simple, it is spirometry is a reliable study and is able to detect serious diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Disease (COPD), which is currently undiagnosed in 70% of those affected, or amawhich usually appears in adolescence.
As said by Dr. Eusebi Chiner, tuberculosis expert of SEPAR and is responsible for this scientific patient section.
- “In addition to hospitals, we estimate that 60% of Spanish hospitals have this device. But despite our optimism, we are concerned that almost Only 20% of these facilities are used regularly or on a regular basiswhich causes some diseases that can be stopped early to continue to evolve and cause irreversible damage to the health of patients.
What is spirometry, what is it and how is it done? / Official College of Nurses of Barcelona
Therefore, if the use of spirometry is used in all first aid centers, all patients and the national health system will benefit, since, as Dr. Chiner says:
- “It’s using a protocol spirometry about quality and not only and it can prevent lung damage in many patientssignificant health costs can also be saved from hospitalizations, medications, and sick leave.”
