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In obstructive lung disease, the FEV1 is reduced due to an obstruction of air escaping from the lungs. Thus, the FEV1/FVC ratio will be reduced. [4] More specifically, according to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, the diagnosis of COPD is made when the FEV 1 /FVC ratio is less than 0.7 or [8] the FEV 1 is less than 75% of predicted; [9] however, other authoritative bodies have ...
Average values for FEV1 in healthy people depend mainly on sex and age, according to the diagram. Values of between 80% and 120% of the average value are considered normal. [14] Predicted normal values for FEV1 can be calculated and depend on age, sex, height, mass and ethnicity as well as the research study that they are based on.
Measurement of PEFR requires training to correctly use a meter and the normal expected value depends on the patient's sex, age, and height. It is classically reduced in obstructive lung disorders such as asthma. Due to the wide range of 'normal' values and the high degree of variability, peak flow is not the recommended test to identify asthma.
The difference between the highest values of two FVCs need to be within 5% or 150 mL. When the FVC is less than 1.0 L, the difference between the highest two values must be within 100 mL. Lastly, the difference between the two highest values of FEV1 should also be within 150 mL. The highest FVC and FEV1 may be used from each different test.
Bear in mind, however, that this number does not apply to children, and that it can differ depending on the patient's native result; small patient's with pulmonary fibrosis, restrictive lung disease etc. will have a measurably lower FEV1 than healthy average-sized adults. This can give a false positive result of the test.
The image shows how spirometry is done. The patient takes a deep breath and blows as hard as possible into a connected tube. The spirometer measures the amount of air breathed out and how fast. Spirometry is the gold standard for diagnosing lower airway obstruction. It measures the FEV1/FVC ratio. A decreased ratio indicates obstruction. [12]
Lung volumes. Functional residual capacity (FRC) is the volume of air present in the lungs at the end of passive expiration. [1] At FRC, the opposing elastic recoil forces of the lungs and chest wall are in equilibrium and there is no exertion by the diaphragm or other respiratory muscles.
A normal adult has a vital capacity between 3 and 5 litres. [3] A human's vital capacity depends on age, sex, height, mass, and possibly ethnicity. [ 4 ] However, the dependence on ethnicity is poorly understood or defined, as it was first established by studying black slaves in the 19th century [ 5 ] and may be the result of conflation with ...