recently diagnosed

[burtley29]

please could anyone tell me what 73 fev means is this a good or bad number

[Alberta56]

Sorry I can't tell you what 73 fev means- no-one ever told me either. Hope you will persist on this friendly forum. Welcome.

[Alberta56 in reply to Alberta56]

I just looked FEV up and found it stands for Forced Expiratory Volume, as measured in a spirometry test. Everybody's norm is different, depending on age, sex, build and other factors. Its main use seems to be to see how one's condition is progressing, as measured by regular spirometry tests. Unfortunately a lot of people on this site have not been offered spirometry tests since covid started, me included. I would guess 73Fev means your condition is relatively mild.

[burtley29 in reply to Alberta56]

sorry everyone i have learning difficulties not very good using computers but thanks for your replys

[eleanordigby in reply to burtley29]

no need for apologies! everyone is welcome here and anyway you’re doing great 😊

[Alberta56 in reply to burtley29]

Eleanor's right. There is nothing to apologise for. You are not the only one here who is not very good on computers. I've sworn at my laptop often enough. 😁😁😁

[eleanordigby]

is this from a lung function test & what does it say exactly - 73%? if so then on the face of it that’s pretty good, although you don’t say what your lung condition is…

[burtley29 in reply to eleanordigby]

emphysemia thankyou for your reply hope all is well

[eleanordigby in reply to burtley29]

Well I don’t have emphysema (also known as COPD) but I think I’m right in saying that an FEV1 of 73% puts you in the “mild” category. Why don’t you phone the helpline and chat to one of the very helpful nurses. They’re open Mon-Fri 9-5 on 0300-222-5800

[burtley29]

yes thankyou for your reply i got it at gp service by a nurse but had to ask

[Hidden]

With the understanding that I’m not a doctor or medical staff. I’m guessing this number is your fev1 percentage. Fev1 is one of three numbers from a spirometry test that are used to determine how well someone’s lungs are working. They’re useful to diagnose lung conditions, and then over time to see if someone is stable or getting worse. The other two numbers that are important are the FVC, and the fev1/fvc ratio. The fev1 and fvc are often given as a percentage, with anything over 80% being considered normal. Spirometry, which is the blowing test that gives you these numbers, is not exact, though, and is technique dependent, so results should always be considered a rough guide, particularly if you’ve never done the test before.

An fev1 of 73% isn’t too bad at all, but to appreciate the full picture, you have to look at the two other figures I’ve mentioned alongside it. If you also have these numbers, it would be worth contacting the helpline on the number Eleanor gave you above and asking them to properly explain what your results mean. But all these numbers can be improved for some people by following treatment and exercising. Even singing can improve your fev1 quite a lot.

[Ergendl in reply to Hidden]

As my experience with regular singing proves, Charlie_G.

[PaulineHM]

Hi, as Charlie has already explained your fev level I am wondering if you have had any other tests which look at your lung function? If you haven’t then to allow a decisive diagnosis of emphysema.

I hope you are getting the full range of tests for your condition?

Be well .

Pauline

[burtley29 in reply to PaulineHM]

hi i went to hospital with chest pains twice on second time it was clear xray but they picked it up on a ct scan

[ghousrider]

good day i think that means stable you need to take more care of your self i have serve copd that wht my consultant figure were given to me ghoust rider

[casey16gatsby]

Your Fev-1 is as has been stated in the mild range. If you exercise and take good care of yourself you should be good, even though no one can accurately predict the progress of COPD.

My Fev- 1 was in the high 40's when I was diagnosed. That's in the Severe Range. It declined to the teens ( Very Severe) before my Double Lung Transplant. My decline was due to my genetic condition -- Alpha 1.

Best Wishes