Hengitysilmaisinta

Hengitysilmaisinta is a Finnish term referring to devices that provide real-time information about breathing. It denotes a class of instruments that monitor respiration by detecting breath flow, airway gas composition, or physiological surrogate signals in order to indicate respiratory status.

Common parameters monitored by hengitysilmaisinta include respiratory rate, tidal volume or minute ventilation, oxygen saturation (SpO2), and end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2). Technologies used include capnography for CO2 measurement, impedance pneumography to detect chest expansion, pulse oximetry for oxygenation, acoustic respiration sensors, and nasal or oral flow sensors. In medical settings, these devices support anesthesia and critical care by allowing clinicians to assess ventilation and detect apnea, hypoventilation, or hypoxemia.

In addition to hospital use, portable or wearable versions of hengitysilmaisinta are employed in sleep medicine, sports science, and home health to monitor breathing patterns during sleep, exercise, or recovery. In industrial or safety contexts, the term can refer to devices used to monitor air quality or to ensure usable breathing conditions in confined spaces, sometimes as part of emergency respirators, escape hoods, or rescue systems.

The term is used broadly in Finnish medical and safety literature, and individual products vary in sensor type, accuracy, sampling rate, and calibration requirements. Users should consult specific product documentation to understand exact parameters and maintenance needs. Limitations of these devices can include signal interference from movement, sensor placement issues, and patient-specific factors that affect readings.

Etymology: a compound of hengitys (breathing) and ilmaisinta (indicator or detector).