A spirometer is a device commonly used to measure lung function and diagnose and monitor the severity of lung diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). |
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A spirometer measures the volume of air you breathe in, as well as the volume you exhale and how fast you exhale it. A spirometer can take many measurements, but this project will use three specific measurements. |
FEV1: Force expiratory volume in 1 second
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FVC: Force vital capacity
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PEF: Peak expiratory flow
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How to use a spirometer
1. Place your mouth firmly around the mouthpiece and inhale deeply
2. Forcefully blow out all the air in your lungs
3. Continue pushing the air out of your lungs for the duration of the test