While having a physical examination, a young male informed his doctor that at age 8 he had lobar pneumonia and pleurisy in his left lung. The physician decided to measure his VC. Describe the apparatus and method used for taking this measurement. Define the following terms used in the description of lung volumes
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand concern. TV is tidal volume. IRA is inspiratory reserve volume. ERV is expiratory reserve volume. RV is residual volume and VC is vital capacity. All these are lung volumes and capacities at different phases of respiration (inspiration & expiration). Since patient is having past history of pneumonia, it is better to check lung condition at present before recruitment. Past history of pneumonia can cause permanent lung damage and decrease in lung functions. So better to check before recruitment. Volume of air during normal breathing is TV. Volume of air present in the lungs after deep forceful inspiration is IRA. Volume of air expired after deep inspiration is ERV. Volume of air moving in and out after forceful breathing is VC. Volume of air present in the lungs after forceful expiration is RV. All these calculations are made by spirometer. Hope I have solved your query. Wishing good health to your patient. Thanks.