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Definition: Spirometer

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Spirometer
( Espirómetro )

A spirometer is an instrument that measures how well your child's lungs are working. To use one, your child breathes into a mouthpiece. The doctor may ask your child to breathe normally or to take a deep breath and blow the air quickly out of his or her lungs, like blowing up a balloon. A recording device measures the amount of air inhaled or exhaled and how much time each breath took. These measurements can help the doctor find out if your child has a lung problem, such as asthma.

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

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Spring 2013: Good Growing Newsletter

In This Issue

  • You Are a Key Player on Your Child’s Healthcare Team
  • Bad Weather? Bring the Action Indoors!
  • Coping with a Crying Baby

Download Spring 2013 (PDF)

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