How To Use Your Spirometer

Spirometer is small and easy to use device used for spirometry. This procedure is used for measuring the amount of air that you breathe. It actually measures your lung capacity. For most restrictive and obstructive pulmonary diseases it is important to know how much air a patient can breathe out and how much time he needs for it.

Checking the degree of restriction or obstruction of air flow using medical is usually done quarterly. Medically supervised test takes just a few minutes, and you can see the results right away. There are different types of spirometers available, and some are more sophisticated, with more functions.

Small personal spirometers can be mechanical or digital. Both types are simple to use, and very useful for all people having problems with their lungs. This include CF, Pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and similar problems. People with such diseases can avoid numerous serious problems if they track their lung condition regularly.

Regular spirometry can provide very useful insight into your health condition, especially when these results are compared with previous ones. Daily spirometry could detect various problems and help you recognize your symptoms in time. This way you can seek medical care in time and prevent more serious problems, for example pneumonia.

Incentive spirometer is mostly used after different surgeries, for people recovering from pneumonia or suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and similar diseases, or any other health condition that requires staying in bed for longer period of time. It helps you breathe properly and keeps your lungs clear and active. It can also prevent a collapse of one or both of your lungs.

If you take only shallow, little breaths, you cannot provide enough fresh air to your lungs. As a result, fluids and mucus may build up in there, causing different infections, for example pneumonia. Spirometer can help you breathe properly and clear up all obstructed air passages. Deep breathing will clear up your lungs and prevent infections.

Incentive spirometer can be mechanical, with simple tube to breathe in and ball showing you the amount of air breathed in and out. Digital ones are easier to use, but work on the same principle. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions about the amount of air you should breathe in in the beginning. You should practice it until you normal level is achieved. Breathe in, wait for few seconds and breathe out.

You should follow your doctor's instructions, but the usual method is to breathe this way maybe ten times in a row, at least several times a day. After completing one cycle, you should cough to remove accumulated mucus. If you are recovering from your chest or abdominal surgery, press a pillow on your incision while coughing.

Spirometer will give you very precise results about your lung condition. Remember to write these results and show them to your doctor. Chronic pulmonary diseases patients will be able to track down all possible changes, and inform their doctor about these changes before they cause air flow obstructions and even more serious health problems.