Total Lung Function Test

[Maychris62]

Hi, can anyone help me understand my total lung function test results please? it says absolute size of lungs was 63% of predicted value and gas transfer in and out of lungs was 63%? What does this mean? Should I be worried or is this normal? Thanks in advance.

[Hidden]

Hi what it means is that your lung function is 63% of normal for your age, weight and height. So if for example the norm for that criteria is 90% then you have 23% less lung function than others without lung problems. This puts you in the moderate stage of copd (presuming you have been diagnosed with that and not another lung disease).

Whilst lung damage is irreversible you can do a lot to improve it or hold it steady for a long time with a healthy lifestyle. My lung function is a bit higher than yours and I am still able to lead a full life albeit a bit slower.

You can survive with a lung function of 6% but no lower. Many on here are severe or even very severe and still work and have quality of life.

I hope this is helpful. x

[Maychris62 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you - am still a bit baffled as I haven't had any diagnosis yet as to why these tests have been carried out. I originally went with a nocturnal cough and have since had all kinds of tests and now just received this report - it is all very confusing and I am unsure whether I should be worried or not?

[rubyred777 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Cough nice reply

I was wondering what your gas exchange is. Don't believe you mentioned it when you had your test done. I kind of figure you and I are pretty much near the same stage.

Rubyxx 😊 😊

[Hidden in reply to rubyred777]

Haven't a clue actually Ruby and probably wouldn't understand the figures if you showed me them! I only know what I said earlier because I have seen it on here several times. Even then it took me a while to grasp it.

I know my last spirometry showed a lung function of 78% which I don't really trust as the one before showed 66%. So somewhere in the middle I guess. I don't have a particularly healthy lifestyle so there is no reason it would increase so much.

What is yours? xxx

[rubyred777 in reply to rubyred777]

Hi Cough

Sorry it took so long for me to get back to you. Was working all day and then went to eat. Roasted chicken, green beans and mashed potatoes. Yum!

Got my test results out. My gas exchange is 67%. Not too bad . 5 yrs ago it was 78. Do you have copies of your test result #s? It seems to me 78% barely classifies as copd. I would be curious to your other #s.

Rubyxx 😊 😊

[aberdeenman]

hi I have very severe copd I have lung function test on Tuesday my last test in December my fev1 was 18%. I still work but only part time now.

tam

[rubyred777 in reply to aberdeenman]

Hi Tam

What type of work do you do?

Are you on oxygen? Your fev1 is really low and you function pretty well. Right?

😊😊

[aberdeenman in reply to rubyred777]

hi ruby im a supervisor with a cleaning company. I just do 6am to 10am now. I mainly just check and organise things. I did have other job I did on my own in afternoons but had give that up. im not on oxygen even though I get breathless my stats always okay my 02 never below 90%. see what consultant says on 13th when I get results of lung function test im having on Tuesday. but I feel I may have give up work altogether soon.

tam

[rubyred777]

Hi May

Welcome to the site. Cough has explained everything to you very well.

I'm a bit confused if the 63% is your fev1 or your tlc? If you have the test results maybe you can look. Gas exchange of 63% isnt too bad. I believe thats what mine is.

Rubyxx 😊 😊

[Maychris62 in reply to rubyred777]

Hi Rubyred - my letter says spirometry was 1.67/1.97, both values around 66% of predicted with a ratio of 94%. Total lung capacity was 63% of predicted value and gas transfer was 63%? I do not understand any of it I'm afraid so have no idea if I have a problem or not?

[Offcut]

My lung function upright is 57% flat 45% I loose Oxygen quickly but recover well, but I am exercise intolerant?

Be Well

[cordino]

I only have 23% lung vol. left. In a motorized wheel chair, but I go out everyday in my van.