A spirometer is one’s personal breathing exerciser at home. The spirometer finds use in clinics too to test certain physical conditions. However, we are more commonly associated with the term “breathing exerciser” than a spirometer, aren’t we? Patients who have undergone surgical interventions are acquainted with this device too. In planned surgeries, spirometers are used to test the lung condition and its functioning.
How do spirometers test the functioning of your lungs? While using the device, the user is asked to inhale with the mouthpiece in his or her mouth. For proper functioning of the device, closing the openings of the nostrils is required such that no amount of air moves in through any other passage other than the mouth.
While the candidate inhales, the piston or the plastic balls inside the transparent calibrated columns are noticed rising. The patterns of the rise and fall of the piston indicate the condition of the patient's lungs. If it goes beyond the recommended levels, you are breathing too fast; If it falls below the standard levels, you are breathing too slowly and the amount of oxygen intake is insufficient!
Exercising with your Spirometer
Spirometer usage sternly follows certain rules. You certainly need to follow them while using one…
- Sit in an upright position and hold the device right in front of your nose. Place the mouthpiece in between your lips and tighten them.
- While breathing in, one needs to try to get the piston as high as possible, and hold the breath for at least 10 seconds or even more!
- While exhaling, the process should be gradual until the piston falls to the base of the spirometer. Rest for a few seconds when you are done.
- You need to repeat this act 10 times (while using it as a breathing exerciser), and each time, try and take the piston up to the same level as that of the 1st time!
Read more about Spirometer - your breathing exerciser.
Garner Supply is a US based company providing durable medical supplies and healthcare products for home delivery. We also provide our valued customers with additional information on gadgets and medical devices and how to use them efficiently at www.garnersupply.com
