What Is a Wet Spirometer?

A wet spirometer is an instrument used by doctors to determine the lung volume of patients. It uses the principle of displacement to measure the amount of air the lungs can hold.

Features

• A wet spirometer consists of two chambers. One chamber has a breathing tube attached to it and contains water. A second smaller chamber, within the first chamber, is inverted and suspended in the water. It is weighted and has an indicator.

Function

• As the patient blows air into the breathing hose, the smaller chamber rises. This causes the indicator to move along a scale.

Results

• The distance the indicator travels represents the lung volume. The scale is calibrated in liters.

Uses

• Bronchitis and asthma are two lung disorders that can be diagnosed using a wet spirometer. Patients will have a decreased ability to exhale air through the breathing tube.

Safety

• A wet spirometer poses no risk to the patient if it is used properly. Never inhale from the breathing hose, as this could cause water to enter the lungs.