COPD & Emphysema Support Group

COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...

936 Members
10,879 Posts
0 Online
Lungs & Respiration
/ COPD & Emphysema Support Group

recent PFT results

geo42
geo42
Hi just had a PFT test and the results show FEV1 actual of .84, FVC actual 2.53, and FEV1/FVC of 33. I don't see the Dr. until July so what do these numbers mean?
Peta44
Peta44
For a good explanation discussion with your consultant is always good.

But to understand things better you may want to view the following page:

http://www.brianmac.co.uk/spirometer.htm

there's a calculator further down the page also.
Ohana
Ohana
Thanks for posting the refresher for a PFT peta44. Education is a good defense against this disease.

For geo42, My PFT results are the worst but I still have a decent life. Keep in mind that our results are never the same as our neighbors & the numbers for you may have a different meaning than the same numbers for someone else. We are here for you.
Peta44
Peta44
Good advice Ohana, so good to see your avatar smiling x x
geo42
geo42
Thank you so much that helps, I was so hoping the results would be better than my last testing, but at least they are not much worse and like Ohana I still have a decent life. Wishing everyone a bright week-end!
deleted_user
deleted_user
This is my favorite site that explains PFT results:
http://www.copdcanada.ca/pft_numbers.htm

I am wobbling between 27 and 30. That is basically lung function.
Other factors come into play such as cardiovascular involvement, etc.

Ohana is correct. We are each different and individual. Our quality of life can be attributed to many things other than statistical PFT numbers.