Pulmonary Medicine-Spirometry

Pulmonary Medicine-Spirometry ISSN 1930-6741

Author: Ramesh Kaul, MD

Spirometry is a performance test for lung function. Spirometry is done for checking the Forced Expiratory Volume in One second (FEV1).

FEV1 is essentially the maximum volume of air blown out in one second.

This is compared to the normal standard calculated for the person.

The standards are calculated from age, sex , weight and height of a person from existing tables.

The second part of the test is to make a person blow out as much air out as possible in the cylinder usually in 6 second or more this is called Forced Vital Capacity (FVC).

FVC is essentially the maximum air blown in one breath with no time limit.

Below 80% is considered abnormal and below 50% is considered severe decrease.

The FEVI (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1sec) is compared to the FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) this is the FEVI/FVC RATIO and should be 70% or above for a normal person.

Low ratio FEVI/FVC suggest obstructive air flow or limited air flow. The obstruction can occur anywhere from upper airway, vocal cords, throat, to lower airways the wind pipe bronchial tubes or even small bronchioles. It can occur in all or any part of the airway if some one has locked jaws the nostril can cause obstruction. But the test is done from the mouth thus measures total flow.

MVV or minute voluntary ventilation is a rapid breathing maneuver done over 15 seconds and multiplied by four to calculate a performance over one minute.

This is compared to a standard and then the performance reflects a sum of FEV1 and the neuromuscular status of a person. If FEVI is normal low MVV reflects muscle weakness or deconditioning of a person.

Please return again frequently as we have some rather BIG PLANS ahead for our web site. We intend to be so much more than just a peer reviewed online journal of medicine. Once completed our web site will contains viable articles, expert opinions, letters, and extensively researched reports. All articles may be submitted by e-mail as well as by post and will be evaluated accordingly. We thank you for your patience.

Home | Editor | Contact Us | Submit Content

Thorax.us makes absolutely no representation as to the content, accuracy, or completeness of the information contained on this web site or the linked web sites and does not necessarily endorse any of the information contained therein. All readers and/or patients should verify all of the information and data before ever administering any type of drug, therapy or treatment discussed herein. Neither the web designers, editors nor the publisher accepts any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences from the use or misuse of the information contained herein. Information on this web site is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. You should carefully read all product packaging. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Statements and information regarding supplements have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning any course of supplementation or treatment.