What is the full form of TCL?

The full form of TCL is Total Lung Capacity. TLC stands for the amount of air in the lungs following full inspiration. The term “tidal volume” refers to the total volume of air that is both inspired and exhaled in a single breath. The measurement of TLC is only possible with a few specific lung function tests, including lung plethysmography. Evaluation of lung function aids in the identification and diagnosis of various lung illnesses.

Asthma, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder), and other lung ailments are identified using TLC measurements to diagnose various lung disorders. TLC must be measured to determine whether a candidate is qualified to undergo any lung procedures and the severity of any lung problem.

Lung Volume

There are two categories of lung volumes: static and dynamic.

1. The airflow rate influences the dynamic lung capacity.
2. Tidal, inspiratory, expiratory, and residual volumes are further subdivided from the static lung volume.

Inspiratory, functional residual, vital, and total lung capacities are the four categories into which static lung capacity is separated.

While static lung volumes are useful for evaluating both obstructive and ventilatory illnesses, dynamic lung volumes aid in identifying obstructive lung diseases.

The Capacity of the Healthy Lung

A healthy adult’s lung volume is between 5 and 6 litres. Normal lung capacity can vary based on factors like age, gender, height, weight, and other body compositions. The location of a person’s birth and residence impacts their lung volume. For instance, compared to those from higher altitudes, those born and raised at sea level have smaller lung volumes. Because the body can handle more air at higher elevations, its diffusing capacity rises. Because the expanding foetus causes the fundus to reach the diaphragm, the lung volume is also impacted during pregnancy.

Types of Lung Disorders

The two main categories of lung illnesses are obstructive and restrictive disorders. Disorders of the restricted lungs include distress syndromes, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, and others. The volume is lowered in this form.

A few examples of obstructive lung diseases are COPD, asthma, and cystic fibrosis. The volume is adequate in this kind. However, the flow rates are impacted.

Increasing Lung Capacity

Even though various lung capacities depend on a variety of circumstances, a person can also expand their lung capacity by incorporating certain healthy lifestyle practices into their everyday lives, such as practising yoga, working out frequently, and doing breathing exercises. Athletes, singers, and swimmers have larger lung capacity than people who don’t lead healthy lifestyles.

Males and females have different lung capacities, according to research. Males have larger lungs than females. Despite being the same age as women, men have broader airways and larger bronchioles. Because of their bigger anthropometric proportions, men have larger lungs.

The patient undergoing the tests should abstain from smoking, drinking alcohol, and avoiding heavy meals and vigorous exercise that could increase breathing to acquire the most accurate Total Lung Capacity result. These requirements must be met for at least 4-5 hours before the testing.

Procedure to Measure TLC

Spirometry and lung plethysmography are two of the numerous techniques used to assess total lung capacity.

In lung plethysmography, the patient will be requested to enter a room made of clear glass, where they will be instructed to breathe fast through a tube attached to a device that measures TLC. The test lasts for around two to three minutes, after which the patient can resume regular activities.

Patients who have a phobia of being in enclosed places may feel uncomfortable before and after the test, and there is a potential that they will feel a little lightheaded due to the machine’s irregular breathing. Therefore, before starting the test, the doctor must fully describe the procedure.

Result

The results of the lung plethysmography test used to evaluate TLC, both normal and abnormal, cannot be regarded as the definitive diagnosis of lung disease. It is solely used to distinguish between different lung conditions, such as if the patient has a restrictive or obstructive lung ailment.