What Is a Respirometer?
A respirometer or an incentive spirometer is a medical device or equipment that measures the amount of air that is inspired (breathed in) and expired (breathed out) by the lungs. A respirometer is also used to check the functioning capabilities of the lungs. This instrument aids in the retraining of the lungs and guides patients to breathe more slowly and deeply, both of which may be challenging for those who have had surgery or a flare-up of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A respirometer is similar to an exercise machine for the lungs that help in pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with pulmonary diseases or damage. This pulmonary rehabilitation helps in increasing the breathing capacity of the lungs.
What Are the Different Parts of a Respirometer?
The respirometer consists of the following:
-
Three air chambers.
-
Three colored balls within these air chambers (working as indicators).
-
Base.
-
Tube for breathing in and out.
-
Mouthpiece.
When the patient breathes in, the balls within the air chambers move upward, and the height up to which these balls go is equal to the amount of air inhaled while breathing into it. If the ball in the first chamber stays up for more than one second, then the amount of air inhaled is equal to 600 mL/cc. If the ball in the second chamber stays up for one second, then the volume of air inhaled is 900 mL/cc. Similarly, if all three balls stay up for one second, then the air inhaled will equal 1200 mL/cc.
Who Should Use a Respirometer?
Patients with the following conditions should use a respirometer:
-
Asthma: The airways constrict, tighten, and produce mucus as a result of asthma. This, eventually, causes difficulty in breathing and reduced respiratory flow.
-
Pneumonia: Mucus and other liquids accumulate in the air sacs of the lungs as a result of pneumonia. A respirometer aids in clearing the lungs of fluid and mucus.
-
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A series of illnesses known as COPD harm the lungs permanently. Although the lung damage from COPD cannot be repaired, the symptoms can be lessened with a respirometer.
-
COVID (Coronavirus disease): Patients with COVID have compromised lung functioning due to the debilitating effects of the virus on the lungs. A respirometer helps in pulmonary rehabilitation in post-COVID patients.
-
Fibrosis: Cystic fibrosis may cause fluid buildup in several organs of the body, including the lungs.
-
Atelectasis: This is a condition that hinders proper inflation of the lungs.
-
Rib Injuries: It may hurt to cough or to breathe after trauma, and the ribs may become tender to touch. Walking, running, or climbing stairs may become difficult or uncomfortable.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Respirometer?
The benefits of using a respirometer are:
-
It helps strengthen the lungs.
-
Helps the lungs become more efficient in supplying the body with oxygen.
-
Prevents lung infections.
-
Reduce symptoms of conditions like asthma and COPD.
-
Respirometers available in the market help in improving lung ventilation. Ventilation is the volume of air that enters the lungs while breathing in and the volume of air that leaves the lungs while breathing out.
-
It helps in loosening mucus from the lungs. Exhaling prevents the accumulation of fluids and mucus in the lungs.
-
Respirometers help in preventing complications in the lungs. Full lung expansion through slow deep breathing helps in the removal of any fluids that might be the cause of lung diseases like pneumonia.
What Are the Drawbacks of a Respirometer?
The drawbacks of using a respirometer include the following:
-
Continuous use of the respirometer can cause lightheadedness in the patient.
-
Aggressive use of respirometers can lead to lung collapse (pneumothorax) in patients with emphysema.
-
The use of a respirometer is contraindicated in patients who have recently had eye surgery or patients with aneurysms (swelling of blood vessel walls).
-
Improper cleaning and disinfection of the respirometer may cause infection spread. Patients using a respirometer must also exhale fully, increasing the risk of spreading airborne bacteria like influenza and COVID-19. It is advisable to avoid using respirometers in public places.
How to Use Respirometer at Home?
A respirometer can be used in the following way:
-
Attach the breathing tube with the air inlet.
-
Clean the mouthpiece with a clean cloth.
-
Sit upright and in a comfortable position.
-
Hold the respirometer upright.
-
Put the mouthpiece in the mouth and close it firmly with the lips.
-
Inhale slowly and deeply with the lips sealed tightly around the mouthpiece.
-
As the patient breathes in, the balls inside the air column move up. The patient should try to hold their breath for two to five seconds and keep the ball afloat.
-
The patient may be able to move up one, two, or all of the three balls depending upon their pulmonary strength.
-
The patient should take normal breaths in between.
What Is Triflow Exercise?
The tri-flow exercises are easy lung exercises done with the help of a respirometer. Many types of respirometers are available and they can be purchased online. This exercise helps in lung training and rehabilitation. In addition, this exercise increases the breathing capacity of the lungs.
The method:
-
Put the mouthpiece inside the mouth and inhale (breathing in) deeply and slowly and try to hold the balls within the air chambers afloat for as long as possible.
-
Repeat this multiple times or for at least five minutes.
-
Now, invert the respirometer and hold it in that position.
-
Put the mouthpiece inside the mouth and try to exhale (breathing out) deeply and slowly and try to hold the balls within the air chambers afloat for as long as possible.
-
Repeat this multiple times or for at least five minutes.
-
These exercises should be done at least three to four times daily.
Conclusion:
Respirometers are goal-oriented lung exerciser that helps strengthen the lungs. The device may be challenging for patients with lung disease to use the device at first, but with time and regular usage, it gets better. A respirometer can not cure lung disease, but it can help alleviate its symptoms. Therefore, a respirometer is commonly advised for patients with asthma, pneumonia, COVID, and COPD.
