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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Emphysema) due to decreased surface area in the alveoli, as well as damage to the capillary bed [7] Pulmonary embolism; Cardiac insufficiency [8] Pulmonary hypertension; Bleomycin (upon administration of more than 200 units) Anemia-due to decrease in blood volume
Spirometry (meaning the measuring of breath) is the most common of the pulmonary function tests (PFTs). It measures lung function, specifically the amount (volume) and/or speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled.
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.
A spirometer measures ventilation, the movement of air into and out of the lungs. The spirogram will identify two different types of abnormal ventilation patterns, obstructive and restrictive. There are various types of spirometers that use a number of different methods for measurement (pressure transducers, ultrasonic, water gauge).
often in a normal range (0.8–1.0) obstructive diseases: asthma, COPD, emphysema: volumes are essentially normal but flow rates are impeded: often low (asthma can reduce the ratio to 0.6, emphysema can reduce the ratio to 0.78–0.45)
In obstructive lung disease however, the FEV1/FVC is less than 0.7, indicating that FEV1 is significantly reduced when compared to the total expired volume. This indicates that the FVC is also reduced, but not by the same ratio as FEV1. [8] One definition requires a total lung capacity which is 80% or less of the expected value. [9]
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.
Airway obstruction is a blockage of respiration in the airway that hinders the free flow of air. Airway obstructions can occur either in the upper airway or lower airway . The upper airway consists of the nose, throat, and larynx.