·
COPD
- Diagnosis
·
Spirometry
measurements used for diagnosis of COPD include:
·
o FVC (forced vital capacity): maximum volume of
air that can be exhaled during a forced manoeuvre.
o FEV1 (forced expired
volume in one second): volume expired in the first second of maximal expiration
after a maximal inspiration. This is a measure of how quickly the lungs can be
emptied.
o FEV1/FVC: FEV1 expressed as a percentage of the FVC, gives a clinically
useful index of airflow limitation.
o According to the GOLD report ( the
international guidelines), an FEV1/FVC ratio less than
0.7 after inhaling a bronchodilator means that a person is likely to have
COPD.
·
When
COPD is present, the degree of reduction in FEV1, or degree of airflow limitation, is one indicator of the
severity of the disease:
·
o FEV1 at least 80% of
the normal value indicates Mild airflow limitation.
o FEV1 between 50% and
80% of normal indicates Moderate airflow limitation.
o FEV1 between 30% and
50% of normal indicates Severe airflow limitation.
o FEV1 below 30% of
normal indicates Very Severe airflow limitation.
·
Reference:
ATS PATIENT INFORMATION SERIES & PATIENT HEALTH SERIES
http://patients.thoracic.org/information-series/en/resources/pulmonary-function-tests-in-copd.pdf
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