2. PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW RATE MEASUREMENT AND SPIROMETRY

CHAPTER 2. PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW RATE MEASUREMENT AND SPIROMETRY
Indications15
Contraindications16
Equipment17
Practical procedure – PEFR 17
Practical procedure – spirometry 19
Interpreting the spirometry results20
The spirometer was invented by physician John Hutchison (1811–1861) in 1846. The peak flow meter was introduced into clinical use around 1960.

INTRODUCTION

Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and bedside spirometry are simple and cheap non-invasive measures of ventilatory function. A peak flow meter (Fig. 2.1) measures the fastest rate of expiratory airflow in litres per minute. Peak flow meters come in various guises, but they all serve the same function.
Spirometry (Fig. 2.2) also measures expiratory airflow, but provides extra information including the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), the forced vital capacity (FVC) and the FEV1/FVC ratio. The value of this ratio can be indicative of obstructive or restrictive ventilatory deficits.
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Fig. 2.2

INDICATIONS

• Any condition that requires monitoring of ventilatory function, either acute, e.g. acute exacerbation of asthma, Guillain-Barré syndrome, or chronic, e.g. asthma.
• Pre-operative assessment of ventilatory function and capacity.
Apr 3, 2017 | Posted by in GENERAL & FAMILY MEDICINE | Comments Off on 2. PEAK EXPIRATORY FLOW RATE MEASUREMENT AND SPIROMETRY

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