Today, we had Lungs check up camp by CIPLA at two places i.e. Anand
Vihar & the Vishwakarma nagar – Jhilmil. Two tests that were done today included the Peak Flow Meter Test & the Spirometry Test as below :
1. Peak
Flow Meter Test :
A Peak Flow Meter (Breathe-o meter) is a simple,
affordable, hand held device which helps diagnose breathing problems and asthma
in children and adults. It is also used as an instrument to monitor your
progress when you are under treatment for asthma.
Just as you have a BP instrument to check blood
pressure and the Glucometer for diabetics, the Peak Flow Meter (Breathe-o
meter) is like a thermometer for asthma. As a patient, you will have to blow
into the mouthpiece of the device, and the reading will be taken to check your
lung power. Most doctors have the device in their clinic but it is also
available at most leading chemists if you want to keep your asthma in check.
2. Spirometry
Test
A Spirometry Test is a more sensitive and
sophisticated test which detects the signs of asthma early. The Spirometer is
used to measure how much air your lungs can hold and how efficiently the air
moves into and out of your lungs. In other words, it gives a good indication of
your lung power and gives you accurate details about your breathing capacity.
The lab or the doctor conducting the test will give you a printed graph of your
reading, just as you get a graph when you do your ECG test.
Both the Peak Flow
Meter (Breathe-o meter) and Spirometry tests are used to diagnose asthma and
also help you measure your progress when your asthma is under control.
However, since these tests are not recommended
for children below six years of age, you as a parent have to work together with
your pediatrician, to make sure that your child’s asthma is diagnosed early and
correctly, by paying close attention to your family history and triggers. You
will also be required to visit your doctor regularly so that together you can
monitor your child’s progress.
The detailed report is being expected in a day.
Thanks,
B S Vohra
East Delhi RWAs Joint Front