Lungefunktion

Lungefunktion, also known as lung function or pulmonary function, refers to the evaluation of the lungs' ability to inhale and exhale air. This assessment is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring a wide range of respiratory conditions. The most common method for measuring lung function is spirometry. Spirometry involves a patient breathing into a device called a spirometer, which measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled and the rate at which it is exhaled.

Key measurements obtained from spirometry include Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), which is the total amount of air a person can forcibly exhale after taking the deepest possible breath, and Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), the amount of air exhaled in the first second of this forced exhalation. The ratio of FEV1 to FVC (FEV1/FVC) is a significant indicator, as a lower ratio suggests obstructive lung disease, where airflow is limited.

Other lung function tests may include lung volume measurements to determine the total amount of air the lungs can hold, and diffusion capacity tests, which assess how well oxygen moves from the lungs into the bloodstream. These tests help differentiate between restrictive lung diseases, characterized by reduced lung volumes, and obstructive lung diseases, where airways are narrowed.

Abnormal lung function can be indicative of conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and cystic fibrosis. Regular lung function monitoring is vital for managing these conditions effectively and tracking disease progression or response to treatment.