Measuring Lung Damage (Spirometry)

Spirometry

A subject is asked to blow into a tube connected to a machine (spirometer), which can measure the different patterns of airflow and the rate and amount of air that is expelled from the lungs.

The information can help to decide if there is damage to the lungs, and assist in distinguishing between different types of lung disease.

Standard measurements include FEV1, FVC and the ratio FEV1/FVC.

FEV1

Forced expiratory Volume 1 is the amount of air expelled by the lungs in the first one second by forcibly breathing out measured with a spirometer. This is compared to normal table for height, age, gender and racil origin to allow expression as percentage of 'normal'.
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