Analysing data on lung disease

• What is a spirometer used to measure?

  Lung capacity
• Why is a nose clip used when taking a spirometry test?

  To prevent air from entering or escaping through the nose
• What is the tidal volume?

  Normal breathing rate volume
• What is the vital capacity?

  Maximum volume of air that can be inhaled and exhaled
• What is the residual volume?

  Volume of air that permanently stays in the lungs
• What is the total lung capacity?

  Vital capacity plus residual volume
• What is the unit of measurement for volume in spirometry?

  Decimeters cubed
• How is pulmonary ventilation calculated?

  Tidal volume x ventilation rate
• Why is it important to know the tidal volume and ventilation rate to calculate pulmonary ventilation?

  To determine the total volume of air moving in and out of the lungs per minute
• How does a spirometer trace from a healthy person differ from someone with a lung disease?

  Healthy person's trace shows normal tidal volume and vital capacity, while someone with a lung disease may show decreased tidal volume and vital capacity
• What are the key components of a spirometer trace?

  * Tidal volume

  * Vital capacity

  * Residual volume

  * Total lung capacity
• What is the typical value of tidal volume in a healthy person?

  0.5 decimeters cubed
• Why is it important to have a residual volume in the lungs?

  So the lungs do not completely empty of air and stick together
• How does bronchitis affect gas exchange in the lungs?

  Narrowing of the lumen due to inflammation reduces air entering and exiting the alveoli, decreasing gas exchange
• What is the effect of emphysema on the alveoli?

  Breakdown of alveoli walls, resulting in fewer and larger air sacs, reducing surface area for gas exchange
• How does pulmonary fibrosis affect gas exchange in the lungs?

  Thickening of alveoli walls and breakdown of alveoli reduce surface area for gas exchange, decreasing oxygen diffusion and carbon dioxide removal
• What are the effects of lung diseases on gas exchange?

  * Bronchitis: narrowing of the lumen due to inflammation reduces air entering and exiting the alveoli

  * Emphysema: breakdown of alveoli walls, resulting in fewer and larger air sacs, reducing surface area for gas exchange

  * Pulmonary fibrosis: thickening of alveoli walls and breakdown of alveoli reduce surface area for gas exchange
• Do you agree with the conclusion that the data shows the more cigarettes smoked per day will increase deaths?

  Yes, but with limitations, as there is a positive correlation, but correlation does not prove causation, and there is no correlation coefficient statistic