Final answer:
Spirometry is a technique used to measure lung volumes such as FEV and FVC. These measurements help diagnose respiratory diseases like asthma and fibrosis, as well as monitor treatment effectiveness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Spirometry is a tool used to measure lung volumes and capacities, crucial for diagnosing and managing respiratory conditions. Key measurements during a spirometry test include the Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV), particularly FEV1 which is how much air can be forcefully exhaled in one second, and the Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), which is the total amount of air exhaled forcefully.
The FEV1/FVC ratio derived from these values can indicate diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and fibrosis. A high ratio suggests non-compliant, stiff lungs often seen in fibrosis, while a low ratio indicates resistance during exhalation, typically observed in asthma. Spirometry tests can also monitor the success of treatments for respiratory diseases by observing changes in these values over time.