Lung plethysmography

What is Lung Plethysmography?

Lung plethysmography is a medical test used to measure the volume of air in the lungs. It is often used to measure how much air is being absorbed into the lungs or to diagnose certain respiratory disorders. It is non-invasive and can be completed in an outpatient setting. This test may also be called pulmonary plethysmography or gas plethysmography.

Preparation for Lung Plethysmography

No special preparation is needed for lung plethysmography. It is usually done as an outpatient procedure. Patients should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for the procedure.

Procedure for Lung Plethysmography

Lung plethysmography is performed using a device called a plethysmograph. The patient is asked to sit in a chair that is connected to the plethysmograph. The patient is then asked to breathe in and out for a few minutes to allow the plethysmograph to measure the amount of air and pressure in the lungs. Once the measurements have been taken, the patient is asked to take a deep breath, and then the plethysmograph measures how much air is filled into the lungs.

Types of Lung Plethysmography

There are two main types of lung plethysmography. Static lung plethysmography is the most commonly used and measures static volume and pressure of air in the lungs. Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) plethysmography is another type of lung plethysmography and measures the amount of air that can be exhaled after taking a deep breath.

Risks of Lung Plethysmography

Lung plethysmography is a relatively safe and non-invasive test. There are no known risks associated with this procedure.

Why Is Lung Plethysmography Done?

Lung plethysmography is often done to diagnose certain respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and emphysema. It can also be used to measure air absorption into the lungs and to check for any blockages in the air passages.

When Is Lung Plethysmography Performed?

Lung plethysmography is usually performed when a patient has signs or symptoms of a respiratory disorder, or if a patient has had an episode of shortness of breath. It is also recommended for those that have been exposed to certain environmental conditions such as smoke or hazardous chemicals.