Spirometry results

[Melanie1989]

So i finally got my spirometry results, but am unsure what they mean! Fev1 was 60.7 % and fvc was 55.8%. Does anyone know what these values mean as my consultant didn't really explain.. Obviously i know for a proper interpretation i woild need a dr, but a rough idea would be good! Also residual volume was 168 %?? I also find it odd that they didn't perform reversibility..

[Hidden]

FEV1 is the amount of air you can exhale in the first second of the exhaled breath, and FVC is the total forced expiratory volume. The % figure is compared to a healthy person your age and size.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

HI, I'm also confused by the lack of reversibility which is very frustrating: they *really* need to be doing this for asthma/where asthma is a strong possibility. Usually the reason given is 'oh it was normal so no need' - which is ridiculous anyway as you can still have reversibility for all sorts of reasons even when the first figure looks 'normal'. However, those figures are well below 80% predicted which is usually the 'normal' cut off.

Perhaps it was because they look for obstruction (FEV1 <70% FVC) which you don't have - but it is entirely possible to both reduced and still have asthma. I believe the residual volume indicates whether there is air trapping (higher means there is) but you'd want to check that!

I would be inclined to ask Asthma UK nurses about this - say of course you will ask the dr but they haven't really explained it. You can hopefully understand a bit more what's going on and what the consultant might be thinking. When are you next due to see cons? Did they say anything else/any plan?

[Melanie1989 in reply to Lysistrata]

Hi Lysistrata, it is so annoying they dont carry out reversibilty! Will give asthma uk a ring soon, as am back in hospital with yet another attack 🙄. No plan just added alvesco alongside fostair! Although at least i saw his registrar who was a lot more helpful!

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Melanie1989]

ugh I hope you escape soon (but not before you're ready...another annoyance of mine!)

Glad you saw someone more helpful - i often prefer to see regs sometimes too. When is the next appt, are you just meant to plod along till then? Crossing fingers the Alvesco helps!

[Melanie1989 in reply to Lysistrata]

Thank you! I currently am classed as a falls risk as im literally so weak, feel about 100 😂 Luckily the reg hurried the appointment along to the 19th of July, so fingers crossed!

Mel x

[Yetti1]

Melanie 1989 - a helpful page I have found is [healthline.com/health/fev1-... ] and there seems lots more information available - but - my caution, as always! - there is also a lot of misinformation around so be very sceptical. Also, when you next see your consultant, have a list [short, I hope!] of specific queries - this is important as only her/his information can apply to you and your circumstances, whereas the 'web' information will be general, may be biased/ skewed, may have values that are USA rather than UK and so confusing. You may also be seeing a respiratory physio - also a good source of you-specific advice - hope this helps -