Definition: Spirometer | Seattle Children's Hospital

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Airway, Breathing, and Lung Conditions

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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Summer 2009: Good Growing Newsletter

In This Issue

  • Respecting Differences
  • Family Meals, Healthier Meals
  • The Risks of Bed Sharing
  • Be Sun Smart

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Summer 2009 (PDF)