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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Help with PFT results
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Help with PFT results
by NormalRog, May 22, 2003 12:00AM
M/46 71" 245lb. Caucasian:
FVC = 5.02 l = 99% predicted
FEV1 = 3.50 l = 85% predicted
FEV1/FVC = 70%
After bronchodialator - no significant change
MVV = 155 L/min = 95% predicted
TLC by body plethysmography = 7.14 l = 100% predicted
DLCO = 27.28 = 81% predicted
DLVA = 3.86
VA = 7.07 l = 99% predicted
I was referred to this Pulmonologist because a mass appeared on a routine lung x-ray taken to rule out walking pneumonia on a bronchitis diagnosis. Thank God, it turned out to be a benign/calcified nodule, but now this guy won't let go of me. The only respiratory symptoms I have are huff/puff on hills/stairs, and that’s because I’m 70lb overweight and completely out of shape. He ordered these PFT's and dramatically announces that I have COPD after looking at them for about 5 seconds. He strikes me as a guy who has never met anyone who doesn’t have some respiratory ailment or sleep disorder. I have looked on the web, and my PFT results seem to be within the normal range. Am I missing something? What gives?
Thanks for your help
FVC = 5.02 l = 99% predicted
FEV1 = 3.50 l = 85% predicted
FEV1/FVC = 70%
After bronchodialator - no significant change
MVV = 155 L/min = 95% predicted
TLC by body plethysmography = 7.14 l = 100% predicted
DLCO = 27.28 = 81% predicted
DLVA = 3.86
VA = 7.07 l = 99% predicted
I was referred to this Pulmonologist because a mass appeared on a routine lung x-ray taken to rule out walking pneumonia on a bronchitis diagnosis. Thank God, it turned out to be a benign/calcified nodule, but now this guy won't let go of me. The only respiratory symptoms I have are huff/puff on hills/stairs, and that’s because I’m 70lb overweight and completely out of shape. He ordered these PFT's and dramatically announces that I have COPD after looking at them for about 5 seconds. He strikes me as a guy who has never met anyone who doesn’t have some respiratory ailment or sleep disorder. I have looked on the web, and my PFT results seem to be within the normal range. Am I missing something? What gives?
Thanks for your help
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Jun 03, 2003 12:00AM
, Jun 03, 2003 12:00AM
Your pulmonary function test (PFT) results are close to the normal range. Generally the difference between the percent predicted FVC and the percent predicted FEV1 should be no more than 5%. Since you have a 14% difference your FEV1/FVC ratio is low at 70%. This indicates airflow obstruction that is seen with both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). You have commented that you are 70 pounds overweight. If anything, the FEV1/FVC ratio of a person who is overweight would be on the high side. Since your FEV1/FVC ratio is low this further supports the fact that you have some airflow obstruction.
It is possible to huff and puff especially on hills and stairs when you are overweight and out of shape. However, this is also the most common complaint with COPD. You should get a second opinion from a pulmonologist, not affiliated with the pulmonologist that you have already seen.
It is possible to huff and puff especially on hills and stairs when you are overweight and out of shape. However, this is also the most common complaint with COPD. You should get a second opinion from a pulmonologist, not affiliated with the pulmonologist that you have already seen.
