Hi all

[judydorney]

Can someone please explain what is a FLT and also what is a fev? I have had diagnosed copd for 12 years but think I've had it a lot longer but not heard of FLT or fev until I started reading all your messages to each other. Can someone please explain and where do you get this diagnosed. Good breathing to all Jude

[stilltruckin]

FEV1 stands for Forced Expiratory Volume in one second. Never heard of FLT, perhaps you're thinking of FVC - Forced Vital Capacity.

Anyway, these readings are derived from spirometry - the lung function test used to diagnose COPD. Read about it all here: patient.co.uk/health/spirom...

[Hidden in reply to stilltruckin]

I think that FLT probably should be LFT which means Lung Function Test, also known as PFT, Pulmonary Function Test. The whole process of how lung function tests are carried out, what results they show etc., is known as Spirometry, referred to above by stilltruckin. FEV 1 is part of this test where you blow out into a tube as much as you can and the amount of air you manage to expel in one second is measured. If you read the link you'll get all the details. Hope this helps.

[Dmactds]

I don't quite understand how you can be diagnosed with COPD for 12 years and not have had these tests or asked your doctors about them...; where are you and what kind of medical system are you part of..?

[O2Trees in reply to Dmactds]

Yes, you say you saw a consultant 4 years ago and any consultant i can think of would automatically refer you for spirometry, so this is strange . . .