What diagnostic tool is commonly used to assess lung function?

Spirometry is a key diagnostic tool used to assess lung function, as it measures the volume of air inhaled and exhaled by the lungs. This test allows healthcare professionals to evaluate how well the lungs are performing and to diagnose conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory disorders.

The spirometer provides important metrics such as forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), which help in assessing the severity and reversibility of lung diseases. Spirometry is relatively easy to perform, quick, and does not involve exposure to radiation, making it a preferred method in various clinical settings for breathing assessments.

In contrast, X-rays and CT scans primarily provide structural images of the lungs rather than functional measurements, focusing on detecting abnormalities like tumors or infections. MRI is more commonly used for soft tissue imaging and is not typically used for lung function assessment. Thus, while other imaging techniques have their own value in medical diagnostics, they do not specifically measure respiratory function as spirometry does.