Final answer:
The root 'spir/o' in spirometry relates to breathing. Spirometry tests are used to diagnose respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD by measuring air capacity and flow. They also track disease progression and treatment effectiveness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The root spir/o in the term spirometry means breath or breathing. Spirometry is a common office test used to assess how well your lungs work by measuring how much air you inhale, how much you exhale and how quickly you exhale. This is vital for diagnosing conditions such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Using a spirometer, the test measures various lung volumes and capacities which can give vital information regarding respiratory health. For instance, a decrease in the lungs' capacity to hold air, as mentioned in content option 'b', can be indicative of restrictive lung disease. Furthermore, content option 'd' mentions that using spirometry to detect the rate at which air can be expelled from the lungs is also an essential aspect of diagnosing obstructive lung diseases.
In terms of assessing disease treatment effectiveness, spirometry can be used to measure the progression of disease over time and to monitor how well treatment is working. For individuals with chronic respiratory conditions, regular spirometry tests can help track changes in lung function, enabling healthcare providers to modify treatment plans as necessary.