What is the primary role of a spirometer?

The primary role of a spirometer is to measure the volume of air inhaled and exhaled, as well as to assess lung function and capacity. By determining how much air a person can inhale and exhale, and the rates at which this occurs, the spirometer provides vital information about the state of a person's respiratory system. This tool is essential for diagnosing various conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and restrictive lung disease.

While measuring lung capacity and airflow may sound similar, they are broader categories that can include various types of assessments, not just those performed with a spirometer. The spirometer specifically quantifies the volume of air that moves in and out during the breathing process. It is also not directly used for checking blood oxygen levels or assessing respiratory rates, which require different types of equipment or methods.