FEV1/FVC ratio ! How useful is it in COPD ?

[PaulineHM]

Well, well, well, Just goes to show that the FEV!/FEV ratio percentage numbers don't mean very much!!

When I was diagnosed in 2003 with severe COPD my FEV1/FEV ratio was 49%. I stopped smoking straight away and the percentage increased to 54%.

9 Years ago tested by Hospital Lung Function again when increased it to 58%

Today it measured 44% - it feels a lot lower than than these days, especially as I have been requiring oxygen therapy for 9 years. 3 weeks ago my oxygen prescription was increased to 5 litres per min ambulatory and 1 litre per min for 15hours of the day. !

So the fact that my COPD was described as moderate it certainly doesn't feel like it. Strange old condition aint it ? ..

Go well y'all.

Pauline

[HelNel7]

Definitely not a 'one size fits all' condition, and percentages seem to be no more than a rough guide, as symptoms vary so wildly from person to person regardless of their percentage.

I think all we can really do is live as healthily as possible and do as much as possible and perhaps not pay too much attention to percentages and tests but more attention to how we feel in ourselves, particularly those of us who have other health conditions going on.

You have always been a great inspiration to me, Pauline!

[Ern007]

FEV!/FEV ratio ia one of the beat tooks doctors have. However cerain factors can throw COPD diagnosis, I would imagine AGE would matter as age can influence lung function, also certain ethnic groups but I know zero about that except some races are smaller. I wonder if stopping smoking would inprove lung function, but I think doctors will factor that in.

In my case I am really sure Spirometry mirrored how I felt and struggled with COPD - BUT,

When I stopped smoking 29 yeaes ago my lung function did improve but did not last - my last lung funtion test 2021 - was my last due yo Lucentis injections for ARWMV - My FEV1 was 49 just in the severe range - Begs the quetion what would have happened fstructed.bo have larger lungs with more capacity ad I not stopped smoking when I did.

While I belive Spirometry is the most important tool to diagnose COPD - Doctors IMO should look at how tall, because that could give false readings becaise a tall person would probably have larger lungs thus having a greater capacity. In short I think used correctly, Spirometry is the best guide to staging COPD....

[PaulineHM in reply to Ern007]

Thanks Ern, complicated isn’t it ? The resp physiologist did weigh me and take my height too, so assume he took that into account. All the data goes into a computer so assume an algorithm calculates all the info and produces a result.

Will chat with the consultant at the end of the month.

Must work on my shoulder rounding though, I am sure a better posture will help!

Go well,

Pauline

[Ern007 in reply to PaulineHM]

You are right Pauline -Lots on numbers in a Spirometry Test. When just a couple really matter to us. Posture matters in lots of things I take Morpjine for pain my back no control but my neck and shoulders to a point I think, can be worsened with wrong posture,

[pepparuby1]

I don’t understand these FEV tests my breath out forced is rubbish but then I can continue to empty my lungs quite well - in oxygen for exertion and flare ups need more ! Just getting over a chest infection so been extremely breathless and tired yet today I mowed the lawn

[PaulineHM in reply to pepparuby1]

Oooh I know, respiratory physiology is so complicated I struggle to understand the basics!

Take it easy after your infection and hope you feel better very soon.

Go well,

Pauline

[leo60]

My specialist has never bothered about figures. "It's how you feel" he says. I agree, I think I could get too hung up on the numbers! xx

[garshe in reply to leo60]

Totally agree they are just numbers I was told and everyone reacts differently. XxSheila 👍

[PaulineHM in reply to garshe]

Thank you.

[PaulineHM in reply to leo60]

Thank you, that’s helpful thinking.

Go well

Pauline

[PaperQueen]

I don't know much about it, but I bet my FEV1 goes up and down daily and like others have said, in the end it's how you feel. At the mo' I am really struggling and I'm guessing it's something to do with the very high pollen count. I had a really scary episode at the weekend and ended up in hospital for a night and a day. Can't think of keeping doors and windows closed though, I need to be able to spend time out into the garden for my mental health. Enjoy this sunshine while it lasts everyone 🌞xx

[PaulineHM in reply to PaperQueen]

Feeling for you with the high pollen count. Hope you feel more comfortable very soon.

Go well

Pauline

[PaperQueen in reply to PaulineHM]

Thanks Pauline x

[leo60 in reply to PaperQueen]

It's weighing up the pros and cons isn't it? I'm with you on the garden front! 🌼🌻🌼 xx

[NieceByMarriage]

My understanding is that lung function decreases with age for everyone. Those with COPD usually have a faster decline than others. Giving up smoking or doing effective exercise will help slow the decrease and in the short to medium term I believe it can even increase your baseline figures. Using myself as an example (I have never smoked) I was diagnosed with spirometry in 2011 with moderate COPD. At the time I was obese and unfit. I developed an exercise habit and reached a healthy weight which I have maintained. Last year I had a REALLY bad bout of pneumonia that has had lasting effects. I did not have spirometry in the intervening years but had it again recently. My peak flow is significantly lower even after a year of rehabilitation. The FEV based readings are lower than they were in 2011 but are well within the range of what they would expect to happen in a person with healthy lungs. My theory is that I improved them quite a lot with my health and fitness approach and then the pneumonia took me back.

[Alberta56]

I find Fevs confusing. Can't do the maths. I hope something (the milder weather ?) will lead to an improvement in your condition, Pauline, whatever the numbers say. xxx

[Superfly1975]

The correct way to monitor the progression of COPD according to both the “Gold Standard” and the “Nice Standard” is from the Fev1 %, the 4 stages of COPD are defined those percentages.

[PaulineHM]

Yes indeed, thank you.

My understanding is that GOLD also include the number of exacerbations over time as well. They do make a difference to the progression of the condition.

Go well.

Pauline