Understanding Your Spirometry Test

[David]

My FEV1 is 20%. My FVC is 48%. I have had 3 Spirometry test in the past 8 years. I really never knew what the test meant until recently. My Doctors never seemed interested in discussing the test with me. They seem to keep it to themselves.

I didn't know anything about FEV1 until I joined this forum. The more knowledge I have the better I can understand what is going on with me.

From the Lung Institute:

What is a Spirometry Test?

A pulmonary function test, such as the spirometry test, is a common office test that is used to assess how well your lungs are working by measuring how much air you inhale and exhale, and how quickly you exhale. The spirometry is used to diagnose asthma, COPD and other diseases that affect breathing.

What Do the Results Mean?

The spirometry test will provide you with a number of values that your doctor will explain. These values are based upon your age, height, ethnicity and gender. All results are displayed as a percentage. Any value that is listed under 80 percent is considered abnormal and may indicate signs of a lung disease.

In a post from the Mayo Clinic, key measurements from a spirometry test will include:

Forced vital capacity (FVC). This is the largest amount of air that you can forcefully exhale after breathing in as deeply as you can. A lower than normal FVC reading indicates restricted breathing.

Forced expiratory volume (FEV-1). This is how much air you can force from your lungs in one second. This reading helps your doctor assess the severity of your breathing problems. Lower FEV-1 readings indicate more significant obstruction.

Some lung diseases (such as emphysema, asthma, chronic bronchitis and infections) can make the lungs contain too much air and take longer to empty. This test will help determine if you are suffering from any of these conditions.

lunginstitute.com/blog/understanding-spirometry-test/

[Deborah]

David, this is good basic information so thank you for sharing. I also like the COPD Foundations Big Hairy Reference Guide, which has some detailed information. In addition, the COPD Canada website has a link that explains some of the readings, although I have never been able to get the table to line up for me....

[David]

I will have to check out the COPD Foundations Big Hairy Reference Guide and the Links, Thanks Deborah

[jim]

Thanks for sharing David, I'm sure this will help a lot of people. thumbsupde1

[David]

I learned about FEV1 from this forum. Been a member for about a year and a half. Have had Emphysema for over 30 years. Doctor's don't tell me much. Take this and try this. Stuff I see on TV. I have to learn on my own by reading articles. I can tell what's bogus and what's not.

I do agree to consult with your Doctor whether he or she agrees or not but be wary of some Doctors. I have seen them wrong numerous times. It's best to get all the education you can even if you don't use it.

[John]

Thanks David thumbsupde1