If you have been diagnosed with a lung disease such as asthma, COPD, or cystic fibrosis and your doctor has prescribed a spirometer for your home use to measure the severity of your condition, then it is important that you know how to use it properly. This blog post will teach you how!
Read on to learn more, and shop our selection of spirometers at The Breathing Shop today.
How to Use a Spirometer
When learning how to use a spirometer, your healthcare provider is a great resource. He or she can demonstrate the process and ensure you understand how to use it.
- Sit up straight and hold the device.
- Place the mouthpiece in your mouth.
- Exhale normally.
- Inhale slowly.
- You’ll see a piece in the spirometer rise. Your healthcare provider will provide instructions on how big of a breath you should take.
- Keep the ball in the middle of the chamber while you breathe. This monitors the speed at which you are breathing.
- Hold your breath for three to five seconds, and then exhale slowly.
- Your healthcare provider will provide instructions on how often to use your spirometer.
Make Sure You Are in a Well-Ventilated Area
If there is not enough airflow, then it can affect your readings by causing incorrect or incomplete results due to air being trapped within the machine during use. If possible, choose a room like the kitchen or bathroom to use your spirometer for best results and easy reading of numbers on the machine's display screen. These rooms will likely have better air flow compared to others since they typically contain more ventilation.
Having a Cold or Allergies Can Skew Results
If you have a stuffy nose, are congested with mucus from a cold, or suffer from allergies, you will not be able to exhale completely, which will affect your test results. It’s best to avoid using a spirometer if you have a cold or hay fever.
Invest in Quality Equipment
When using a spirometer, it’s essential that you invest in quality equipment. You may be able to receive a prescription from your healthcare provider or apply for reimbursement from your insurance company to help cover the cost. While it’s important that the spirometer you choose is reliable, this doesn’t mean that you have to spend an arm and a leg. At The Breathing Shop, we carry a wide selection of quality, affordable spirometers.
Shop Spirometers at The Breathing Shop
At The Breathing Shop, we offer a wide selection of quality spirometers for affordable prices. Shop our selection today!
