PFT's

Question 1

What are the steps?

Answer 1

Step 1. Look at the FEV1/ FVC
Step 2. Look at the FVC
Step 3. Look at FEV1

Question 2

Step 1

Answer 2

Step 1. Look at the FEV1/ FVC
* Fev1 can be expressed as a percentage of FVC
o Normal FEV1 / FVC ratio: 75-85%
* If ratio is less than 70% (adults), likely to be obstructive/mixed disorders
* If ratio is more than 70% (adults), likely to be either restrictive/normal

Question 3

Step 2

Answer 3

Step 2. Look at the FVC
* If FVC is below 80% the result represents a chronic lung disease

Question 4

Step 3

Answer 4

Step 3. Look at FEV1
If FEV1 is below 80% the result represents:
- Chronic Lung Disease
The degree of reduction compared to predicted values reflects the severity of the disease

GOLD CLASSIFCATION
mild >=80
Moderate 50-79
severe 30-49
very severe <29% predicted

Question 5

Obstructive Disease characteristics

Answer 5

Characterised by: Reduction in airflow
- so shortness of breath in exhaling air
(the air will remain inside the lung after full expiration
- COPD
- Asthma
- Bronchiectasis

Question 6

Restrictive disease characteristics

Answer 6

Characterised by: a reduction in lung volume.
- so, Difficulty in taking air inside the lung.
(DUE TO STIFFNESS inside the lung tissue or chest wall cavity)

• Interstitial lung disease
• Scoliosis
• Neuromuscular cause
• Marked Obesity