Well-functioning lungs ensure a sufficient supply of oxygen and, at the same time, make the body free of carbon dioxide. The decline in lung condition with increasing age is natural, but many factors contribute to the lungs aging faster. If we have to measure the pulmonary age, we will learn in what state the respiratory system really is. In addition, the data found may help to diagnose various health problems.
Everyone can come
Measuring pulmonary age in Alpheg pharmacies across the Czech Republic can be performed by anyone over the age of 18, who wants to compare the condition of their lungs with the parameters of a healthy person in the same age category.
The action for smokers and former smokers can be very beneficial. It is the pulmonary age that usually does not match their actual age. The lungs of a 50 year old smoker may in many cases match the lungs of a 70-year-old non-smoker.
For people who suffer from dyspnea or have a long-term cough, the results of pulmonary age measurements can be impulse to visit a doctor.
Opportunities for lung testing
One of the basic pulmonary examinations is spirometry. During this functional examination, the ability of the lung to breathe and exhale is determined. Spirometry uses a device with a mouthpiece into which the subject is breathing. The examination takes several minutes and should not be smoked just before it. Other methods are used to determine the overall lung capacity.
Results as motivation
Experts note that information on lung age causes many smokers to put off cigarettes. Pulmonary age information is clearer to them than if they learned the same results in the usual way in numerical or percentage terms.
However, the aim of the measurement is not to provide a precise medical diagnosis or to replace a doctor's visit.
Pulmonary age measurement is intended for people over 18 years of age and needs to be ordered in advance in a specific Alphega pharmacy. The list of participating pharmacies is available at www.alphega-lekarna.cz .
Author: Mgr. Petra Kováčová
Source: U lékaře.cz