My FEV1 is 1.76, does anyone know what this means (have been diagnosed with moderate emphysema)

[blue1]

[Hidden]

Hi blue1 - FEV1 means "forced expiratory volume" which is the volume of air which can be expelled in one second, from one deep breath

The measurement can be given in either litres (as yours is) or more usefully as a percentage of the predicted value for a person of the same sex, age and height. Can't tell you more as don't know those details but an example is that a healthy woman aged 33 and 165cm tall would have a predicted FEV1 of 3.03 litres. An FEV1 of 1.76litres would give such a woman a lung volume of 58% predicted

I don't feel I'm explaining this very well - help someone! What we really need is a link to a table of FEV1 values but I haven't seen one.

love, FF x

[blue1 in reply to Hidden]

Hi fairyfootsteps, Thanks for the info. I am female, 60, not very healthy (have crohns disease as well as copd) and about 160cm tall and have smoked 30 fags a day for over 40 years (have given up now). I would imagine this would drop the predicted fev1 to well below the 'healthy' 3.03 litres, which would then make my current lung volume % higher than 58% (am I reading this right?)

Many thanks Blue1

[Hidden]

That figure alone means nothing. Try a search for Spirometry calculator on the patient UK site. You will need your entire spirometry readings to do the calculation.

In addition FEV1% is not entirely going to tell you about your lung damage, have a chat with your respiratory consultant for a better understanding, if you are not under a respiratory consultant ask your GP for a referral.

[Hidden]

I've found a calculator cdc.gov/niosh/topics/spirom...

However I think you'd be better to phone the BLF helpline tomorrow and ask them to explain everything to you - can't understand why drs don't explain these things to their patients!

love, FF x

[blue1 in reply to Hidden]

Hi FF, thanks for the link. Have tried it and found what I was looking for. Unfortunately my gp has explained very little about the copd and I have picked up more information, support and friendship from this community, your are all great!!

love blue1 xx

[Hidden]

Phone the BLF helpline tomorrow blue, 03000 030 555, they'll explain it all to you. If you have a print-out of your lung function test they can go over all the figures.

Unfortunately it's not that easy to chat to your respiratory consultant is it, even if you have one!

Crohns+COPD = poor you but well done for giving up the fags. I know how highly addictive smoking is & better late than never

FF x

[chang]

The calculator procedure has already been carried out by those that carried out your spirometry giving you the moderate diagnosis, your support in making any necessary changes in lifestyle will take up any free time that you find. Try not to stress on results rather finding the best quality of life and living it are of greater value.

[blue1 in reply to chang]

Very true chang, I am making steps to improve lifestyle and living every day with a positive outlook.

[Puffthemagicdragon]

My FEV1 is 0.76. 27% lung function. Severe emphysema. I try to do everything as normal but get breathless sometimes so take a minute or two to rest. I find it a bit annoying but apart from that I try not to let it bother me too much. I still feel quite fit and do a lot more walking for exercise than I used to do. Keep positive and you'll find that you will feel a lot healthier.

[punkyb in reply to Puffthemagicdragon]

Hi puff....I would like to understand how to calculate my test results. I think my test last year was much better than this year but I am not sure I know what I am doing when it comes to putting the right numbers where they go.

[steveguest2211]

CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHAT THIS MEANS PLEASE COPD WITH FEV1 OF 1.14 LITRES [38% PREDICTED] AND FEV1/FVC RATIO OF 33.9 AND KCO OF 60% PREDICTED?