interpret PFT

[hyunkimaadap]

prebronch.

fvc    106% predicted
fev1   95%  predicted
fev1/fvc 73%
fef25/75  62% of predicted
pefr    125% of predicted

asian male  44yr  with 24pack year smoking
are my lungs ok?
thanks

[David Tinkelman, M.D.]

To the extent that airflow and lung volume are within the normal predicted range, you are OK.  These predicted values are the average function of a group of people of your height and  age.  There is a wide range of normality.  So, you could have lost function but still be within the normal range. The borderline reduction of FEV1/FVC may or may not be significant.  Comparison with previous PFT’s might help answer that question.  That would also give an indication of lung function lost.  

But, limited PFT’s such as these don’t always reflect smoking related lung damage.  You still have fairly good lung function, as far as these PFT’s would reveal.  However, you could have lung damage from smoking, not evident by these measurements.  Do not be falsely assured that smoking has not harmed your lungs, on the basis of these tests.

You still have good function.  You should do everything in your power to stop smoking and preserve that good function for the years to come.

Good luck

[hyunkimaadap]

the fev1/fvc ratio actual     predicted     %predicted
                          73%        82%              90%