FEV 1

[patj]

My FEV1is 0.98 L in brackets 37% predicted then FVC 2.03 L in brackets 64% predicted does anyone know what this means. I have severe Copd. Please if anyone can help. Thanks

[stilltruckin]

FEV1 stands for Forced expiratory volume in one second. This is the amount of air you can blow out within one second. With normal lungs and airways you can normally blow out most of the air from your lungs within one second.

FVC stands for Forced vital capacity. The total amount of air that you blow out in one breath.

0.98 L is the quantity of air in litres.

37% Predicted means that your FEV1 of 0.98 litres is 37% of the FEV1 of a typical person of your gender, height and age with healthy lungs.

Ditto for FVC.

[patj in reply to stilltruckin]

Is that good or bad my reading. Thanks for your reply.

[stilltruckin in reply to patj]

It's all relative. According to the GOLD (Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) criteria an FEV1 0f 50-79% is classed as Grade 2, 'Moderate'. Yours is in the 30-49% range: Grade 3, 'Severe'. My FEV1 is 25%, the <30% range, Grade 4, 'Very severe'.

However, webmd.com/lung/copd/gold-cr...

Regular exercise to the point of moderate breathlessness can make a big difference to your quality of life. Among other things it conditions the body to use oxygen more efficiently.

'

[FarmerD in reply to patj]

Hi Padj,my Fev1 is 20% so you have a bit to go yet before you are " very" severe.Keep up the exercise to stave it off for a while longer.Good luck!D.

[Toci]

It puts you into the severe category, which means different things to different people. Some have to give up work at 'moderate' whilst others continue to work at very severe. You would be well advised to pop the numbers to one side for now (though they are handy for monitoring your progress), avoid cigarette smoke, eat sensibly and take regular pulmonary exercise. Good luck.

[Sokrackers]

Hi Pat

I was diagnosed last year with 32% age 48 but have improved so much since getting the right meds and taking up exercise. Although at first it was slow it is amazing what I can do now.

Start slow, little and often

Take care

SK

[rubyred777]

Hi Patj

You've received excellent replies. I am 60%, which is moderate. I am still working with no problem. As Toca said,

Some people with moderate can't do much. Some people with severe are working and carrying on pretty much regular. The more you do , the more you'll be able to do. Use it, or lose it.

You would do well to read old posts. Theres some truly amazing people on this site. Ask any questions you have and someone will help you.

Rubyxx😊😊

[Puffthemagicdragon]

My FEV1 is about 20% on average. I'm very severe. I work partime at a quite physical job. I still like to do most things, like mowing the lawn, but I have to plan ahead.

[patj]

Thank you all for your help and advice. I do still work part time and will do what ever I can do, it takes a lot of effort at times but I will never give up. My FEV has gone down in a year this time last year it was 42% and now 37%.