VPB 121: Veterinary Physiology - II (2+1)

SPIROMETRY - INTRODUCTION

• Spirometry is the most common pulmonary function tests evaluating the health of the lung and being practiced as a basic tool to evaluate the respiratory status of the subject.
• It is a quick and simple test. It provides information on the mechanical properties of the tracheo-bronchial tree, interstitum of the lung, pleura, chest wall and respiratory muscles.
• It generates pneumotachograph to assess long dysfunctions.

Basis of Spirometry

• It is the measurement of volume of (amount) and /or flow rate (speed) of air that can be inhaled or exhaled in a given time. It monitors breathing and helps to assess tidal volume and various long capacities.
• Spirometry apparatus consists of volume measuring devices and flow measuring devices.

Medical Spirometer

• It consists of
  • Drum inverted over a water cylinder.
  • Weight counter balancing the drum.
  • Oxygen air cylinder
  • Facility with a writing point which is fixed to the counter weight.
  • Writing point inscribes on a kymograph.
  • Corrugated rubber tubing connecting the mouth of the subject with gas chamber and recording drum.