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Spirometry

Using a spirometer: with patient standing or sitting upright ask them to blow as hard, fast and long as they can. 

Terminology:
  • FVC = forced vital capacity – indicator of lung volume
  • FEV1 = forced expiratory volume in 1 second 
  • FEV1/FVC ratio = forced expiratory ratio; 0.75 to 0.8 in normal individuals

Patterns:
  • Obstructive 
  • Restrictive 
    • Reduced FVC 
    • FEV1/FVC is normal or increased
    • Causes:
      • Lung fibrosis 
      • Obesity 
      • Neuromuscular disorders 
      • Sarcoidosis 

Severity of any spirometric abnormality based on FEV1: 
  • Mild >70% predicted 
  • Moderate 60-69% predicted 
  • Moderately severe 50-59% predicted 
  • Severe 35-49% predicted 
  • Very severe <35% predicted 

Small print gem: spirometry should be avoided within a month of an MI. 


References:
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Abdelghafour

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Secret collector of interesting anonymised ECGs. Fan of the Bath Photomarathon. Lover of cream teas. [Sarah Hudson] (Your Picture)