Basic of Spirometry part 1 of 2

Abstract:

HISTORY OF SPIROMETRY
The first Spirometer was invented in 1846 by an English surgeon (and violinist!) John Hutchinson who presented his first device to the “Royal Physiological Society” in London. Hutchinson showed a direct relationship between a reduction in this parameter and the life expectancy of the individual, and defined the term Vital capacity (VC).

WHY DO SPIROMETRY?
Spirometry is the most basic, objective Pulmonary Function test to asses lung health status. It establishes baseline measurement of patient‘s lung function. It helps to identify if they have narrow airways or reduced capacity. It determines treatment regimen; Bronchodilators or Nebulizer.

Spirometry is required to make a definitive diagnosis of both Asthma and COPD and it can be done bedside, in a PFT lab or a physicians office.

Spirometry can help to identify lung diseases in their early stages 10 years, before the onset of symptoms, therefore facilitating an early course of treatment and potentially modifying the course of the disease.

Recent studies on ASYMPTOMATIC PATIENTS (USA-2000) have shown that 7% had significant respiratory pathologies.