Lecture 5 - Spirometry Flashcards
What are some examples of obstructive airways diseases?
Asthma, COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, bronchiectasis and cystic fibrosis
What are some examples of restrictive lung diseases?
Interstitial lung disease, musculoskeletal diseases, neuromuscular diseases, obesity and diaphragmatic weakness
What is bronchiectasis?
Mucus secretion, airways become more blocked
What is cystic fibrosis?
Excess production of the mucus
Define restrictive lung diseases
Affect the ability of the lungs to expand and contract
How many different types of interstitial lung diseases are there and what is the most common?
200 types and pulmonary fibrosis is the most common
What is musculoskeletal disease (MS)?
Muscles are affected by neurogenerative diseases and so don’t work as well e.g. the diaphragm
What is diaphragmatic paralysis?
Where the diaphragm gets stuck and can’t open the lungs properly
What is spirometry?
Measures airflow and can be used for athletes and also patients to diagnose asthma
What does spirometry measure?
Measures the responsiveness of airways to medication, measures the severity of airways disease and monitor disease progression
What is used for preparing the spirometer?
Calibration and verification, and infection control
What is calibrating?
When you check the vales are the reading values it is supposed to be reading
What can affect calibration?
BTPS - barometric, temperature and water saturation - the environment affects these things which is why calibration needs to take place
What is used for infection control?
A single use filter and a nose clip
What can stop a spirometer from taking place?
If you had recently had a pneumothorax, recent MI, any aneurysms, eye surgery or thoracic/ abdominal surgery and if you have been experiencing vomiting or nausea
What needs to happen pre-test of the spirometer?
Avoid smoking 24 hours, alcohol 4 hours, vigorous exercise (30 mins), large meal 2 hours and the use of an inhaler 4-12 hours
How is the procedure carried out - position of the patient?
Patient will be seated sitting upright
What does the physiologist need to know about the patient?
Needs to know age, height, birth sex and whether they are a smoker, non smoker or ex smoker
How do you reach resting vital capacity?
3 resting breathes
How is the test taken?
With a nose clip on during tidal breathing, inhale to maximal inspiration and forced expiration (really hard blows)
PEF =?
Peak expiratory flow
FEV1 =
Forced expiratory volume in one second - the max volume of air exhaled in the first second of a forced expiration from a position of full inspiration
FVC =
Forced vital capacity - the max volume of air exhaled with max forced effort from a max inspiration
What is a volume time graph?
Traditionally used in older more simple equipment which provides information on volume and time
