2.4.1. Respiratory Function Assessment
respiratory diseases, forceful
RESPIRATORY DISEASE, CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE
Respiratory function was assessed using an sp70B Spirometer (Contec medical systems, Hebei, China), a portable device for measuring pulmonary functional status in patients with respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The device was selected due to its ability to measure FVC and other related parameters using an infrared signal collection mode, as well as its portability, which was necessary for routine tests conducted at the study site. Measurements were captured in a sitting position, and the highest value out of three replicates was selected. The patient sat in an upright position with a straight back and waist and exhaled as much air as possible from the lungs through a mouthpiece, followed by a rapid and forceful inhalation and expiration. Measurements were made in three replicates, and their mean value was calculated. If the patient felt dizzy or fatigued, the measurement process was immediately interrupted and resumed after a rest period of comfortable breathing.