Lung function tests

Question 1

What is the collective name given to lung function tests?

Answer 1

Spirometry

Question 2

What is meant by FEV1?

What causes a reduced FEV1?

Answer 2

FEV1 means Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second

Reduced FEV1 is caused by obstructive lung disease (airways are narrower so more difficult to expel air quickly)

Question 3

What is meant by FVC?

What causes a reduced FVC?

Answer 3

Forced Vital Capacity - The total amount of air a person can exhale after a full inhalation

Reduced FVC is caused by restrictive lung disease (alveoli cannot expand so have a reduced capacity to fill with air)

Question 4

FEV1/FVC < 0.7 = a diagnosis of…

Answer 4

Airway obstruction

Question 5

List some causes of obstructive lung disease

Answer 5

• Asthma

- COPD

Question 6

List some causes of restrictive lung disease

Answer 6

• Interstitial lung disease, e.g. idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
• Sarcoidosis
• Obesity
• MND