One of the most common tests for measuring lung function is the use of a spirometer. This is a device that measures the speed and volume of air inspired and expired by a person's lungs. Spirometry is used to assess conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis and pulmonary fibrosis. It is able to distinguish between two types of abnormal respiratory pattern, obstructive and restrictive. There are several types of spirometers in use and they have been evolving since the first century AD.
Restrictive lung disease (RLD) impedes the expansion of the lungs on inspiration. This results in a decreased lung volume, forcing the individual to work harder to draw breath. Both ventilation and oxygenation are impaired. Pulmonary fibrosis, or scarring of the lung is one condition underlying RLD. The normal lung parenchyma becomes interspersed with scar tissue, resulting in a honeycomb appearance. Thankfully rare, pulmonary fibrosis is poorly understood, worsens over time and is often fatal.
Other conditions that contribute to restrictive lung disease include obesity, sarcoidosis (an autoimmune condition), scoliosis and neuromuscular diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and muscular dystrophy (MD). The primary presenting symptom that drives people to the doctor is almost always difficulty in breathing. Sarcoidosis is characterized by swollen and reddened tissue called granulomas. These mostly affect the skin and the lungs. Some people develop symptoms suddenly and recover spontaneously after a few months or years. Others never experience any symptoms; the condition is incidentally following an x-ray for another reason.
Obstructive lung disorders (OLD) are diagnosed by the presence of obstructed and inflamed airways. Airflow is obstructed and the patient experiences difficulty breathing out. OLDs are are responsible for frequent trips to the hospital. Diseases which fall into the category of obstructive lung disorders include asthma, COPD and bronchitis. One thing these individuals have in common is inability to expire 70% of breath within a one-second time interval.
Asthma is caused by inflammation of the airways. One of the most common respiratory problems, it normally presents with wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Other, less frequent, symptoms, are fatigue, rapid breathing and sighing. Asthma can be life-threatening.
The most serious symptom of CF is impaired breathing. Cystic fibrosis affects the lungs, pancreas, liver and intestine. Twenty-first century improvements in treatment and diagnosis have resulted in a much better prognosis than 50 or 60 years ago. In 1959, the median age of survival was only six months. As of 2008 in the United States, this had risen to 37.5 years; in Canada, it improved from 24 years in 1982 to 47.7 years in 2007. In Russia, the cost of medical treatment is often prohibitive and lung transplants do not take place. Here, the median age of survival is only 25 years.
COPD encompasses diseases like chronic bronchitis and emphysema. In the case of emphysema, the inner surface of the lungs becomes permanently damaged, usually from exposure to cigarette smoke. Although there is no cure, removal of the trigger, cigarette smoking, results in an improved ability to exhale.
Spirometry is an important diagnostic tool in respiratory medicine. Distinguishing between obstructive and restrictive conditions, it enables doctors to inform interventions and determine prognoses.
Restrictive lung disease (RLD) impedes the expansion of the lungs on inspiration. This results in a decreased lung volume, forcing the individual to work harder to draw breath. Both ventilation and oxygenation are impaired. Pulmonary fibrosis, or scarring of the lung is one condition underlying RLD. The normal lung parenchyma becomes interspersed with scar tissue, resulting in a honeycomb appearance. Thankfully rare, pulmonary fibrosis is poorly understood, worsens over time and is often fatal.
Other conditions that contribute to restrictive lung disease include obesity, sarcoidosis (an autoimmune condition), scoliosis and neuromuscular diseases including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and muscular dystrophy (MD). The primary presenting symptom that drives people to the doctor is almost always difficulty in breathing. Sarcoidosis is characterized by swollen and reddened tissue called granulomas. These mostly affect the skin and the lungs. Some people develop symptoms suddenly and recover spontaneously after a few months or years. Others never experience any symptoms; the condition is incidentally following an x-ray for another reason.
Obstructive lung disorders (OLD) are diagnosed by the presence of obstructed and inflamed airways. Airflow is obstructed and the patient experiences difficulty breathing out. OLDs are are responsible for frequent trips to the hospital. Diseases which fall into the category of obstructive lung disorders include asthma, COPD and bronchitis. One thing these individuals have in common is inability to expire 70% of breath within a one-second time interval.
Asthma is caused by inflammation of the airways. One of the most common respiratory problems, it normally presents with wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. Other, less frequent, symptoms, are fatigue, rapid breathing and sighing. Asthma can be life-threatening.
The most serious symptom of CF is impaired breathing. Cystic fibrosis affects the lungs, pancreas, liver and intestine. Twenty-first century improvements in treatment and diagnosis have resulted in a much better prognosis than 50 or 60 years ago. In 1959, the median age of survival was only six months. As of 2008 in the United States, this had risen to 37.5 years; in Canada, it improved from 24 years in 1982 to 47.7 years in 2007. In Russia, the cost of medical treatment is often prohibitive and lung transplants do not take place. Here, the median age of survival is only 25 years.
COPD encompasses diseases like chronic bronchitis and emphysema. In the case of emphysema, the inner surface of the lungs becomes permanently damaged, usually from exposure to cigarette smoke. Although there is no cure, removal of the trigger, cigarette smoking, results in an improved ability to exhale.
Spirometry is an important diagnostic tool in respiratory medicine. Distinguishing between obstructive and restrictive conditions, it enables doctors to inform interventions and determine prognoses.
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