The Lung View
In 1971, Wimbledon in London became home to an imaging revolution – the world’s first CT scan on a patient. CT scans are now commonplace, creating 3D images of organs by capturing multiple X-ray images from different angles. This makes imaging moving organs difficult. In mouse studies of lung disease, researchers have overcome this using retrospective gating (RG), capturing more images of the lungs and grouping them into breathing phases, each reconstructed separately – this takes longer. The organ’s function has been measured using another technique – X-ray-based lung function measurement (XLF). Now, a new faster technique has been developed, RG-based XLF, which measures lung anatomy and function simultaneously. Testing it in healthy and mdx mice, which model Duchenne muscular dystrophy, proved successful. Function and anatomy data (pictured) were captured in just 34 seconds. For example, the abnormal shape and position of the diaphragm in mdx mice (right) was identified when compared with healthy lungs (left).
Written by Lux Fatimathas
Image from work by Christian Dullin and colleagues
Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
Image originally published with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
Published in Scientific Reports, August 2022
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Decreases stress
In a 2013 study Trusted Source pranayama reduced perceived stress levels in healthy young adults. The researchers speculated that pranayama calms the nervous system, which improves your stress response.
Improves sleep quality
The stress-relieving effects of pranayama may also help you sleep.
In clinical studies Trusted Source a technique known as Bhramari pranayama was shown to slow down breathing and heart rate when practiced for 5 minutes. This may help calm your body for sleep.
Increases mindfulness
For many of us, breathing is automatic. We do it without giving it much thought at all.But during pranayama, you need to be aware of your breathing and how it feels. You also practice focusing on the present moment, instead of the past or future. This is known as mindfulness.
Reduces high blood pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is when your blood pressure reaches an unhealthy level. It increases the risk for some potentially serious health conditions like heart disease and stroke.Stress is a major risk factor for high blood pressure. Pranayama can help minimize this risk by promoting relaxation.
Improves lung function
As a type of breathing exercise, the slow, forceful breathing of pranayama may strengthen your lungs.One 2019 study determined that 6 weeks of practicing pranayama for 1 hour a day could have a significant effect on lung function. The practice improved multiple parameters of lung function, according to pulmonary test results.
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Navigating Spirometry and Its Clinical Applications
Spirometry, encompassing fundamental lung function assessments measuring both exhaled and inhaled air, involves the examination of three interconnected parameters: volume, time, and flow. This method stands as an objective, non-invasive, and remarkably sensitive approach, capable of detecting early deviations in lung function and offering reproducible results. The advent of portable spirometers has extended its reach to almost any setting and, with proper training, made it accessible for a broad range of individuals. The primary objectives for conducting spirometry encompass identifying the presence or absence of lung disorders, quantifying degrees of lung impairment, monitoring the impact of occupational or environmental exposures, and evaluating the effectiveness of medications.
What are the Indications for Pulmonary diseases?
Spirometry is a versatile tool used for detecting and diagnosing a range of pulmonary diseases, including:
Asthma
Chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD)
Cystic fibrosis
Pulmonary fibrosis
Patients with these conditions often require regular follow-up tests to monitor their lung function and disease progression. Spirometry is instrumental in assessing the effectiveness of prescribed medications and tracking any changes over time.
Furthermore, spirometry serves as a means to establish an individual's baseline lung function, offering a reference point for future comparisons and the identification of any alterations that may occur over time. This baseline measurement is especially valuable for individuals exposed to occupational hazards that increase the risk of lung disease, such as dust or toxic particles in the air.
Spirometry can also aid in investigating specific respiratory symptoms like persistent cough and dyspnoea (shortness of breath). It is a recommended diagnostic test for heavy smokers aged over 35 due to their elevated risk of pulmonary diseases.
When is Spirometry Contradicted?
If an individual has any of the following that has occurred recently, then it may be better to wait until the patient has fully recovered before carrying out spirometry.
Haemoptysis of unknown origin
Pneumothorax
Acute disorders affecting test performance, such as nausea or vomiting.
Thoracic, abdominal, or cerebral aneurysms
Recent eye surgery
Unstable cardiovascular status, recent myocardial infarction, or pulmonary embolism
Recent thoracic or abdominal surgical procedures
What is Spirometry Device?
Spirometry relies on a device known as a PFT spirometer. This medical apparatus comprises a mouthpiece and a connected tube, which is linked to a machine designed to measure the flow of air. This tool is essential for conducting spirometry tests, as it accurately records the volume, time, and flow of inhaled and exhaled air to evaluate lung function.
How is Spirometer used?
Several techniques can be employed when conducting spirometry, allowing flexibility based on the patient's comfort and cooperation:
Tidal Breathing Technique:
The patient begins with normal, tidal breaths through the mouthpiece.
A deep breath is taken while still using the mouthpiece.
This deep inhalation is followed by a rapid, full exhalation.
Immediate Exhalation Technique:
The patient starts by taking a deep breath.
They then quickly place their mouth securely around the mouthpiece.
A complete exhalation is performed promptly.
Quick Inhale and Exhale Technique:
The patient is instructed to fully empty their lungs first.
Following exhalation, they are asked to take a quick, full inhalation.
This inhalation is succeeded by a thorough exhalation.
What is a normal reading on a spirometer?
In adults, age, height, sex, and race are the main determinants of the reference values for spirometry measurement.
Spirometry measures two main components:
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC): It's the maximum amount of air exhaled after a deep breath.
Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1): The volume of air exhaled in one second.
Results are compared to typical values for your demographic, with a normal reading being 80% or higher. Spirometry helps diagnose lung conditions like obstructive and restrictive diseases.
Spirometry results can also aid in diagnosing lung conditions, including:
Obstructive Lung Disease: Conditions that make it challenging to exhale all the air from your lungs due to lung or airway damage. Common examples include asthma, bronchiectasis, COPD, and cystic fibrosis.
Restrictive Lung Disease: These conditions prevent your lungs from fully expanding. Common causes include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), interstitial lung disease, muscular dystrophy, sarcoidosis, and scoliosis.
Spirometry is a vital tool in the diagnosis and management of respiratory diseases. Its non-invasive nature, sensitivity to early changes, and reproducibility make it a cornerstone of modern respiratory healthcare. By navigating spirometry and understanding its clinical applications, healthcare providers can better support patients in their journey to optimal lung health.
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