What do my numbers mean

[lost2907]

My total lung capicity is 114% is that good or bad

my FEV1/FVC-RATIO OF 64
FEV1 WAS 2.69 LITRES-89%  OF PREDICTED
FVC WAS 4.21 LITRES-119% OF PREDICTED
DIFFUSION CAPACITY WAS 110% OF PREDICTED


THANK YOU TO ANYONE WHO CAN HELP

[little_weed]

Hi lost,
I'm in the UK where the figures tend to be more based in litres than in the states. Saying that, where I thought I had learnt all about the numbers, after my appointment this week with my specialist, I'm beginning to think I know nothing!

So, I am posting this because I know what it is like to be waiting anxiously for someone to reply when you post. However, wait for someone to agree with what I say before accepting it as gospel!

It sounds to me, because your numbers are not far off mine, that you have hyperinflation, and large lungs.

It means that the air you breathe in gets trapped and cannot get out because of the damage to the alvioli, the air sacs, which lose their elasticity.

So, you get short of breath, not because you can't breathe in, but because you can't get the stale air, or carbon monoxide, out.

Your lungs become enlarged, or hyperinflated, because of this trapped air, and so put pressure on your diaphragm, and push it down, so it is harder to breathe.

I hope that helps you at least a little bit.
There are all sorts of web-sites that will help you decipher your PFT's, or pulmonary function tests. Just put a search for PFT's, or gas transfer, or whatever, keep changing your key words, and you will find a site that helps. A lot of them are very technical, it's just finding one you feel comfortable with.

Go through some of the older posts here, as it is a popular subject!

Don't panic! But stop smoking, if you do, says she, who is still at it!

Good luck x