interventions and spirometry

Spirometry and the Importance of Early Interventions

Spirometry is one of the most effective ways for lowering the permanent loss of lung functions that characterizes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) when paired with early interventions such as smoking cessation and minimizing occupational exposures (Enright, Studnicka, & Zielinski, 2005). Its therapeutic importance is underscored by the fact that it can detect preclinical airway inflammation, allowing individuals to pursue primary health methods that reduce the etiopathological progression. While the pulmonary function test holds great promise for reducing the harmful consequences of COPD in all subgroups of the population, persons aged 45-65 will reap the most significant advantages. The view is informed by the fact that the majority of the group is unaware of sub-clinical inflammation, an aspect that is aggravated by the immunosenescence where the aging weakens the immune system (Enright, Studnicka, & Zielinski, 2005). Individuals continue engaging in unhealthy behaviors such as smoking resulting in rapid decline of lung functions, and thus premature deaths and respiratory complications.

The Role of Spirometry in Early Screening

Despite the elevated risk among the group, the advent of spirometry has promoted early screening which is fundamental in creating awareness and adopting preventive interventions. Besides indicating the oedematous development along the airway, a spirometer measures forced vital capacity and the forced expiratory volume. While the role of the device in measuring the respiratory changes is subdued by peak flow meter, spirometry readings are more clinically meaningful as they capture normal, obstructive, restrictive, as well as combined obstructive/restrictive patterns, which have found tremendous applicability in COPD examination and management. The figures determine the extent of airway obstruction, which is fundamental in designing of the care plan based on the stage of the disease. Similarly, spirometry readings are critical in the management of the disease in a way that does not only promote the safety of patients and efficiency in drug allocation, but also minimizes possibilities of adverse effects.

References

Enright, P. L., Studnicka, M., & Zielinski, J. (2005). Spirometry to detect and manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma in the primary care setting. European respiratory monograph, 31, 1.

Ferguson, G. & Petty, T. (2015). Screening and Early Intervention for COPD. Hospital Practice, 33(4), 67-84. http://dx.doi.org/10.3810/hp.1998.04.89