Spirometer is an instrument that is mainly used in the medical field by medical practitioners. It is mainly used to measure the amount of air that enters the lungs and also the amount of air that leaves the lungs. Therefore, it is an important instrument to be used in measuring the lung volumes.

It has a container which is a half filled with liquid. This liquid is soda, and it absorbs carbon dioxide gas when air passes through it. The chamber above the liquid moves up and down as air passes through it. This chamber is attached to a drum which revolves slowly, that is, a kymograph that permanently records the movement of the compartment in a graph.

Special volumes exist in the lungs. They are called vital volume, expiratory reserve and inspiratory reserve volumes, and tidal volume. They are all calculated using the graph generated by the kymograph.

This apparatus is mainly used for respiratory functions. It usually determines the condition of your lungs. Therefore, it is used as a diagnostic tool for diseases such as asthma and emphysema that affect how you breathe. It can also be used to monitor how your lungs respond during the treatment of such diseases.

The attempt to determine the capacities of the lungs began very many years ago. The very initial tools were rudimentary and tricky to use. Nonetheless, newer inventions have taken place and the modern devices used in spirometry work more efficiently and easily.

Spirometers are available in different versions. Whole body plethysmograph is very accurate. You are enclosed in a small room and then the measurements of your breathing are taken.

The type that measures the rate of flow of different gases is called pneumotachometer. Its action is based on the difference in the pressure of the gases across a given mesh. This variant is good because you are able to take in very fresh air during the experiment.

Some other such devices are electronic. This means that they use electrical energy to measure the amount and speed of air that you inhale. They are accurate and very efficient as compared to others. Moreover, they also allow for good hygiene since the channels for air are disposable.

Other types which are rare comprise windmill, tilt compensated kind, peak flow and incentive spirometers. Their means of action varies. Moreover, they vary in effectiveness and precision.

These instruments have different sizes. Some are bulky and can only be used in the lab, such as water tank types. However, some are small, light and portable, such as windmill type.

You must be careful when using these devices. You must understand the regular health and safety guidelines prior to using them. They can actually stay for long when you use them well and take good care of them.

You should regularly make the mouthpiece germ-free using ethanol before use. This maintains hygiene and prevents the spread of infections. You should also avoid using the spirometer after a dynamic and tiresome exercise.