Spirogram

Term: SpirogramDefinition: A graphical record produced by a spirometer, showing the volume of air inhaled or exhaled by the lungs over time, used to assess lung function.Phonetic Pronunciation: (SPY-roh-gram)Origin: The term "spirogram" is derived from the Greek words "speira," meaning coil or spiral, and "gramma," meaning something written or drawn. This reflects the visual representation of lung volume changes over time.Significance in Asbestos Context: Spirograms are crucial in diagnosing asbestos-related lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. They help measure the extent of lung damage and monitor the progression of the disease, aiding in the management and treatment of affected individuals.Example Sentence: The doctor reviewed the spirogram to assess the impact of asbestos exposure on the patient's lung function.Related Terms: Spirometer, Pulmonary Function Test, Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, Lung CapacityNotes: - Spirograms are not diagnostic on their own but are part of a broader set of tests. - The test requires patient cooperation, which can affect the results. - Regular spirograms can help track the progression of asbestos-related diseases over time.