Over the last few months I've seen a few on here freaking out that their FEV/FVC ratio was below 70 while they have a good FEV1.
I came across this article today which recommends using 66 as the pre bronchodilator cut off for obstruction.
Interesting, this stuff is changing by the day as COPD diagnosis is refined.
To be fair I think that both pre-bronchodilator and post-bronchodilator spirometry is being used, to rule out Asthma, with initial hospital diagnosis. I know that is how it was done with me, at the hospital. Confirmed as being Emphysema with a CT scan immediately followed by a PET scan.
Only on the one occasion have I had just the pre-bronchodilator spirometry, performed at the GPs surgery with a COPD nurse, with a mouthpiece containing a spinner connected to a laptop. Compared to the specialised booth and gas tests, I was not impressed.
In fact in my (booth) spirometry taking the short acting bronchodilator (Ventolin) makes no difference to the results. Ventolin has never worked for me though.
Unfortunate Ventolin hasn't worked. Its about the only thing that works for me. Is there any inhaler that improves your condition 2Greys?
I think the above is relevant in borderline cases and it seems to be a change in thinking for some. Years ago when I went for my first tests it was an arbitrary cutoff off of .7. Now the LLN comes into play never mind .66.
I think it's a problem with GP/consultants not putting the diagnosis in context - I was first told I had COPD 6years ago, with late onset asthma, then bronchiectasis, and now they're not sure I have COPD at all! It's enough to worry anyone!
It is entirely possible to have a mild form of anything, such that treatment may be unnecessary and, although I have not read the article, I suspect that research has shown little benefit in treating a 66% ratio - the lungs will outlive the patient!
COPD - A morning in the life of a par time carer.
Anybody use collodial silver in a nebulizer
Views from a walk to the pub, Pics of Dads roses running wild and a new lady in his life. :) .
Should you take Spiriva on the morning of Spirometry test in the afternoon?
in a bit of quandary 
