Body Plethysmography - A Insight

Introduction:

Body Plethysmography is a kind of functioning test done for the lungs. The amount of air entering in and out is measured via machines. This gives every individual the air-holding capacity of the lungs. One example of a plethysmography test is penile pulse volume recording which is performed on the penis to check for causes of erectile dysfunction. Frequently, this test is performed to check blood flow in the legs' arteries.

What Is Body Plethysmography?

Plethysmography is the measure of changes taking place in volume in different parts of the body. This test can be performed to detect the presence of blood clots in the limbs and to check blood flow in the arteries of the legs. This is done in people who have underlying conditions like hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis results in pain while exercising or poor healing of leg wounds. Also termed respiratory inductance plethysmography, penile pulse volume recording, pulse volume recordings, and segmental pulse volume recordings.

Body plethysmography allows the assessment of functional residual capacity (FRC) and specific airway resistance (sRaw) as primary measures. In combination with deep expirations and inspirations, total lung capacity (TLC) and residual volume (RV) can be determined. Airway resistance (Raw) is determined as the ratio of sRaw to FRC (pleth).

Why Is a Body Plethysmography Performed?

Plethysmography is performed to screen any kind of abnormalities. Doctors compare recent test outcomes with previous results or against the standardized ones. They check if the lungs are working as expected or if there is something that can be concerning. ‌

If one is currently being treated for a condition involving the lungs, body plethysmography will show how severely the condition affects the lungs themselves. It can help the doctor decide whether the treatments are (still) appropriate.

Some of the conditions that might warrant body plethysmography include

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

• Cystic fibrosis.

• Asthma.

• To assess environmental impact. The results of body plethysmography can show if the person being exposed to dangerous substances at home or work. Fumes or toxic materials can cause breathing problems.

What Does Body Plethysmography Involve?

During body plethysmography, a person is made to sit inside a cubicle within a closed room throughout the test. It should be noted that the door should not be locked and can be opened voluntarily at any point in time, whenever required. In front of the person, there is a mouthpiece to use for the test, and the person is given a peg to use on the nose whenever asked to.

First of all, one minute is allowed to wait to settle the temperature. The patient is asked to breathe slightly faster than normal on the mouthpiece while holding their cheeks and with the peg on the nose. After 30 to 60 seconds, a shutter blocks the mouthpiece for about two seconds. During this time, a patient is asked to pant gently against the blockage. After two seconds, the shutter gets lifted, and the patient is then asked to breathe fully prior to blowing all the way out to empty in a controlled way, like a sigh. The test ends with a big breath back into full.

How Is a Person Prepared for Body Plethysmography?

Several lifestyle choices can influence the effectiveness of body plethysmography. The doctor will likely give this advice:

1. One should avoid wearing tight clothes as it can obstruct breathing.

2. Report all medications, as some of them should not be taken before going to the test.

3. One should inform the doctor if they have the flu, a cold, or any other illness.

4. One should not consume alcohol for at least four hours before undergoing the test.

5. One should not eat a big meal within two hours before the test.

6. Do not smoke for at least one hour before.

7. Do not exercise for at least 30 minutes before.

8. As per the situation, the doctor might suggest not smoking or exercising heavily for up to six hours before. All of these preparations are done to ensure accurate test results.

What Does the Result of Body Plethysmography Mean?

The results of body plethysmography basically describe the functioning of the lungs. Any abnormality in these results indicates abnormal functioning of the lungs or their capacity. With these results, the many possibilities of lung issues can be detected, and further treatment can be planned. Issues in which abnormal results are seen can include:

1. A breakdown or deteriorated lungs.

2. Issues with the muscles of the chest wall.

3. Issues that do not allow the lungs to expand and contract normally.

Body plethysmography is regarded as the best test to identify COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). As this test is capable of identifying the lung capacity it can easily recognize the symptoms that are seen in COPD. Some of these symptoms are:

1. Chronic cough,

2. Difficulty while breathing.

3. Wheezing.

4. Respiratory infection.

What Are the Risks Associated With Body Plethysmography?

• There are certain risk factors associated with plethysmography because of its type and the exertion it requires. Some of the patients feel dizzy or might faint during or after the test. Any critical complication is rarely noted, and other risks can also be minimized by the doctor.

• Patients who are claustrophobic might feel uneasy sitting in a closed room for a long duration of time. They should immediately inform the concerned doctor in case of any emergency.

• A warm environment is created in the room at the time of this test. One should inform the doctor if they feel hot or need breaks in between.

Some of the serious but rarely occurring complications are:

• Narrowing of the airway in patients with sensitive airways.

• Heart attacks can occur in patients who possess cardiac disease already.

• Sudden changes in the blood pressure can be noticed.

• Stroke can occur.

• Lung collapse.

• Retinal detachment.

Conclusion:

Plethysmography is the test done to measure changes taking place in volume in different parts of the body. This test can be performed to detect the presence of blood clots in the limbs. This is done in people who have underlying conditions like hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). It is often performed in a closed room with the help of certain machines. It helps in identifying various lung issues in a timely manner, and that can prevent them from getting serious. It has minimal risks involved with it.