Plethysmography: A Non-Invasive Test for Blood Flow and Lung Capacity Issues
Plethysmography, a non-invasive test, measures changes in body volume using blood pressure cuffs or sensors. It's useful in detecting blood flow issues and lung capacity problems. Abnormal results can indicate various health issues, from lung diseases to blood clots.
Plethysmography is performed in two main ways: limb plethysmography and lung plethysmography. In limb plethysmography, blood pressure cuffs are placed on the leg and arm. The ankle-brachial index (ABI), calculated by dividing the highest systolic blood pressure from the leg by the highest from the arm, helps identify potential artery problems. A normal ABI ranges between 0.90 and 1.30. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes with no risks or side effects.
Lung plethysmography measures lung capacity by having the patient sit in an airtight room and breathe against a mouthpiece. Abnormal results indicate lung capacity issues but not the cause. Possible causes include sarcoidosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic interstitial lung diseases, and obesity. Other causes can range from pulmonary vascular diseases to pneumonia, surgical interventions, medication side effects, smoking, and more. A thorough medical evaluation is crucial to determine the exact cause.
Plethysmography is a valuable tool in detecting blood flow and lung capacity issues. Abnormal results should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to identify the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.
