To diagnose the function of external respiration, the bodyplethysmography method is used. It is used in combination with pulse oximetry and peak fluometry.
The method of bodyplethysmography in combination with other methods allows us to determine the nature and root causes of the disease, and, accordingly, to prescribe the correct therapy. This research method relates to universal and informative methods. In this case, the procedure is painless. Consider what it is - bodyplethysmography, its features, preparation, the process of conducting and contraindications to the procedure.
Features of the study of the functions of external respiration
It is possible to determine the intrathoracic volume of gas, that is, how much the lungs are filled with air, and the aerodynamic resistance of the airways using the method of studying bodyplethysmography. The analysis of these indicators allows not only to diagnose a pathology, but also to identify its root causes. Also, using the results obtained, it is possible to adjust the treatment that the patient is already receiving.
Often people with respiratory problems ask themselves: what is bodyplethysmography? This is a modern research method, which is distinguished by accuracy and high informativeness about lung function.
Diagnosis allows you to identify bronchospasm, analyze lung volumes, calculate the presence of emphysema. Unlike other research methods, it allows you to assess the condition of the lungs, that is, how much they are able to saturate the blood with oxygen and give off carbon dioxide.
Bodyplethysmography of the lungs: features of the procedure
It is possible to study the structure of the lungs and evaluate their functionality using the bodyplethysmography method. With it, you can distinguish between obstructive and restrictive disorders of the respiratory system, determine the nature of the disease, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
Bodyplethysmography is an expensive and difficult test, but absolutely painless. The study is conducted in a relaxed atmosphere with some physical exercises. A man has been breathing through a special tube all this time. The main thing here is to carefully listen to the doctor who speaks very loudly when and how to breathe. In time it takes no more than 45 minutes. Sometimes the procedure is carried out with a bronchodilator.
This multifunctional test is similar to spirometry, but gives more information about the condition of the lungs. Sensors that are connected to the human body during the study transmit all the results for evaluation to a computer. Determine the patient’s lung condition immediately after the procedure.
Indications
Bodyplethysmography is prescribed for violation of the functions of the respiratory system, especially in difficult cases when it is difficult to diagnose, identify the cause of the pathology and prescribe the appropriate therapy. It can also be prescribed to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment already received by the patient.
The results of bodyplethysmography allow not only to evaluate the effectiveness of the respiratory system and prescribe treatment, but also to check how effective the therapy is.
When is bodyplethysmography used?
- For the diagnosis of obstructive and restructive types of dysfunction of the respiratory system.
- To determine emphysema and its features.
- For the diagnosis of airway patency.
Study preparation
Despite the fact that the research procedure is simple, it requires some preparation. First you need to ask the doctor what it is - bodyplethysmography. The patient should know what the need for the method is and what are the features of the procedure.
Preparation for diagnosis:
- Conversation with the doctor about all the nuances of the study.
- Bodyplethysmography is carried out in the morning.
- Two days before the procedure, antihistamines are discontinued, eight - caffeine-containing drugs and drinks, six hours - bronchodilators.
- Two hours before the test, smoking is not allowed (this can impair lung function and, accordingly, distort the results).
- The patient should lie down for 20 minutes or be at rest.
- Clothes on the patient should not hamper movement, something free should be put on.
The study of the diffuse ability of the lungs with body plethysmography
The diffuse capacity of the lungs can be measured using forced spirometry, determining the structure of static volumes, or bodyplethysmography. The latter method is most often chosen because of the information content of the data obtained.
It is in this way that emphysema or pulmonary fibrosis can be diagnosed. What is bodyplethysmography, and what are the features of its implementation, discussed above. Also, a universal method is used to study pulmonary hemodynamics and assess hypertension.
The study of the diffuse ability of the lungs is carried out on high-precision modern equipment. Previously, a person passes a blood test to determine the level of hemoglobin. It is not recommended to diagnose with this method immediately after eating or the day after strong physical exertion.
Contraindications
Such a simple and painless method of studying respiratory function as bodyplethysmography has contraindications, although there are a small number of them.
The study should be postponed or canceled with angina pectoris, as the heart is loaded as a result of a half-hour (albeit mild) physical activity. Also, the method is not used for pains of an unexplained nature, after surgery in the eyes, in the chest or abdominal cavity. If a person has had pneumothorax in the last three months, bodyplethysmography is also not performed.
Other methods of studying respiratory function are used in primary school children, as well as in individuals who may not fulfill commands during the procedure. After all, the importance of the method is to listen to the doctor and follow his instructions on physical activity and breathing. It is important to take in and out breaths correctly and at certain times.