Spirometry

We use spirometry to measure ventilation. It is an examination of lung volumes, capacities and flow rates. The resulting parameters are divided into:

Spirometry:


 * static - or volumes and capacities of the respiratory system (tidal volume, vital capacity...)
 * dynamic - or flows or volumes at maximum effort (minute ventilation, maximum minute ventilation...)

Spirometers
An instrument that measures ventilation parameters is called a spirometer. The patient breathes into it. A turbine is inserted in it to spin the air. A mesh may also be present on which the air creates pressure. This is proportional to the volume of air. It also measures time, and so we can determine the air velocity or flow rate. The recording is usually nowadays evaluated digitally.

Lung disease
can typically be divided into:


 * Restrictive in which lung volumes are reduced. This may be due to a compressed lung (tumor), bronchial closure, limited compliance, and others. We measure static parameters.
 * Obstructive or narrowing of the airway. Flow and consequently ventilation are impaired. This includes asthma, chronic bronchitis and obstructive lung disease.

Related articles

 * Lung volumes
 * Functional examination of the cardiorespiratory system
 * Chronic lung disease

Literature used
TROJAN, Stanislav, et al. ''Lékařská fyziologie. ''4. vydání. Praha : Grada, 2003. 772 s. ISBN 80-247-0512-5.