Väljahingamisruumala

Väljahingamisruumala, also known as expiratory reserve volume (ERV), is the maximal amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled from the lungs after a normal exhalation. It represents the volume of air that is still present in the lungs after a typical breath out.

ERV is a component of lung function measured during spirometry, a common pulmonary function test. It is distinct from tidal volume, which is the amount of air inhaled or exhaled during normal breathing at rest. ERV is also different from residual volume, which is the amount of air remaining in the lungs after maximal exhalation.

The measurement of ERV can be helpful in assessing the health of the respiratory system. Reduced ERV may indicate conditions that impede airflow or reduce lung elasticity, such as obstructive lung diseases like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or restrictive lung diseases that limit lung expansion. Conversely, an unusually high ERV is less common but could be seen in certain situations.

In healthy adults, the typical ERV is approximately 1000-1200 milliliters for men and 700-800 milliliters for women. However, these values can vary based on age, height, sex, and overall health status. The interpretation of ERV is always done in conjunction with other spirometric measurements to provide a comprehensive picture of lung capacity and function.