FIVE WAYS TO MEASURE
PULMONARY FUNCTIONS
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Peak Expiratory Flow. PEF Due to respiratory muscle weakness people who have ALS or similar complications may find the cough is often not productive enough to clear the lungs. This may lead to poor secretion removal and respiratory infections. |
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Force Vital Capacity. FVC both sitting and lying This measures the total volume of air a patient can completely breathe out after inhaling a full breath. If FVC declines to less than 1 liter, under-ventilation may occur (50% of normal for patient age, height, and sex.) |
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Maximum Inspiratory Pressure. MIP and Maximum Expiratory Pressure MEP are measured by breathing in and out, with maximum effort, through a tube attached to a pressure measuring device. These measures reflect inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength. |
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End-tidal C02. - Measurement of exhaled carbon dioxide. |
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Overnight Oximetry. - Demonstrates oxygen saturation during sleep. |
