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Opinions on strange spirometry results

Posted , 2 users are following.

kai45
kai45

Hello,

My father has returned from his Pulmonary Function Tests and the nurse has wrote down the main spirometry results. He was refered to have this test done by his cardiologist as he was complaining of SOB in the morning when waking up. He is 71 years old, and has been smoking since his teens. I am having a little trouble intepreting these results based on the information given on this site and was wondering if anyone with experience could give their opinion? Before the test, I thought he might have COPD considering his long smoking history but I think his results point to some sort of restrictive lung problem. According to the calculator, his FEV1 and FVC are nearly half the normal predicted values but the ratio is >70%. The results are as follows:

Age: 71

Height: 155cm

FEV1: 1.25L (50%)   Predicted: 2.5L

FVC: 1.70L (51%)  Predcited: 3.33L

FEv1/FCV: 73.6%

PEFR: 307.6

Thanks for any help you can provide.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Vee2
    Vee2 kai45

    Posted

    you can check results here:  https://patient.info/doctor/spirometry-calculator

     

    • kai45
      kai45 Vee2

      Posted

      Hello Vee, Thanks for the link to the calculator but that's exactly where I went first which is what led me to making this discussion. According to the calculator, his FEV1/FCV ratio is normal however his individual FEV1 and FCV values are nearly half what is predicted. There is obviously something wrong and I was wondering if anyone here has had any experience with similar results? I did some research and I believe the results indicate a restrictive lung problem not obstructive. Of course the best thing to do would be to wait on the official report from a pulmonologist to know for sure but that would take a few weeks. Any input would be appreciated.

    • Vee2
      Vee2 kai45

      Posted

      perhaps attend an appointment with your father to see his consultant / doctor.  Any results are best interpreted by a medical professional specialising in respiratory.

      For age 71 he is probably doing ok, (I just recalculated using the figures you gave above, overall results show normal)  lung function deteriates naturally as we age, but I am no medical professional so its always best to speak to someone who knows.

       

    • Vee2
      Vee2

      Posted

      or you could phone / contact the nurses on the BLF helpline for their input on this: 

      https://www.blf.org.uk/

       

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