Lung function Tests

• What do lung function tests, specifically spirometry, help diagnose?

  They help diagnose conditions such as asthma, COPD, and restrictive lung diseases.
• What is the primary purpose of spirometry?

  To establish objective measures of lung function.
• What does reversibility testing in spirometry involve?

  Giving a bronchodilator before repeating the spirometry test.
• What does FEV1 measure in lung function tests?

  It measures the air a person can forcefully exhale in 1 second.
• How is FVC defined in lung function tests?

  It is the total air a person can exhale after a full inhalation.
• What indicates obstructive lung disease in spirometry results?

  When the FEV1 is less than 70% of the FVC.
• What characterizes asthma in terms of lung obstruction?

  The obstruction is due to a narrowed airway from bronchoconstriction.
• How does COPD differ from asthma regarding lung obstruction?

  COPD involves chronic airway and lung damage causing obstruction.
• What is the FEV1:FVC ratio in restrictive lung disease?

  It is greater than 70%.
• What does restrictive lung disease limit?

  It limits the ability of the lungs to expand and fill with air.
• What happens to ventilation in restrictive lung disease?

  It leads to inadequate ventilation of the alveoli and insufficient blood oxygenation.
• What are some conditions that can cause restrictive lung disease?

  Conditions include interstitial lung disease, sarcoidosis, obesity, motor neurone disease, and scoliosis.
• What indicates a combination of obstructive and restrictive lung disease in spirometry results?

  • A low FVC indicates restrictive lung disease.
  • A low FEV1:FVC ratio (under 70%) indicates obstructive lung disease.
  • A low FVC and a low FEV1:FVC ratio indicate a combination of both.
• What does peak flow measure?

  It measures the fastest point of the expiratory flow of air.
• What is the purpose of using a peak flow meter?

  To demonstrate how much obstruction to airflow is present in the lungs.
• What is the correct technique for measuring peak flow?

  Stand tall, take a deep breath, seal lips around the device, and blow hard into it.
• How is the predicted peak flow determined?

  It is based on sex, height, and age using a reference chart or calculator.
• How is the peak flow result expressed?

  As a percentage of the predicted peak flow.
• If an asthmatic patient has a predicted peak flow of 400 and scores 200, what is their peak flow percentage?

  50% of the predicted result.
• When was the last update made to the lung function tests material?

  May 2023.
• Where can one find written notes on lung function tests?

  At https://zerotofinals.com/medicine/respiratory/lungfunctiontests/.
• Who edited the audio in the lung function tests podcast episode?

  Harry Watchman.