Spirometry is a diagnostic test that measures the volume and flow of air during inhalation and exhalation. It is a fundamental tool in respiratory medicine for assessing lung function and diagnosing conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory disorders.
During spirometry, a patient breathes into a device called a spirometer, which records various respiratory parameters. Key measurements include:
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Forced Vital Capacity (FVC): The total amount of air forcefully exhaled after a full inhalation.
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Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1): The volume of air exhaled in the first second during the FVC test.
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FEV1/FVC Ratio: The ratio of FEV1 to FVC, which helps assess airway obstruction.
Spirometry provides valuable information about lung function, helping healthcare professionals evaluate the severity of respiratory conditions, track disease progression, and guide treatment decisions. It is a non-invasive and widely used test in pulmonology and primary care settings.