What is FEV1?-COPD, Asthma

Healthy values for FEV1 vary from person to person. They’re based on standards for an average person of that age, race, height, and gender. However, each person has a predicted FEV1 value.

Although, you can get a general idea of your predicted value with a spirometry calculator. Accordingly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a calculator that lets you enter your details.

If you have already received a COPD or asthma diagnosis, your FEV1 score can help determine your condition’s stage. Moreover this is done by comparing your FEV1 score to the predicted value of those individuals similar to you without a lung condition.

FVC and FEV1

Rather, the FEV1 reading is just one measurement taken from a pulmonary function test. Forced vital capacity (FVC) is another important reading.

FVC shows the amount of air that a person can breathe out quickly and forcefully after a deep breath. The FEV1 measurement is recorded during the first second of the FVC test.

As with FEV1 readings, the FVC results are compared with average values from healthy individuals of the same age, height, and weight as the person undergoing testing.Furthermore, lower FVC readings can indicate more advanced stages of COPD.

Although, the ratio of FVC and FEV1 can help doctors diagnose the specific type of lung disease a person has. However, to calculate this ratio, a doctor divides the FVC reading by the FEV1 result.

Also, when the value of FEV1 is less than 70% of an FVC in adults or below 85% in those aged 5–18 years, an obstruction may be present. It may be a sign of COPD.

FEV1 is used in association with other tests to help diagnose COPD.

A COPD diagnosis may involve:

• A FEV1 reading
• An FVC reading
• A FEV1/FVC ratio
• An assessment of symptoms
• Medical and family histories
• Imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scan
• An arterial blood gas test, to test blood oxygen levels

Many doctors also use a COPD assessment test (CAT) to find out how COPD affects a person’s life. Doctors will use the result of the CAT alongside other test results to determine the stage and severity of COPD.

FEV1 and COPD Management

COPD is a progressive condition, meaning that it worsens over time. Follow-up pulmonary function tests are carried out in people with COPD to track how the condition progresses, which varies from person to person.

Hence, the results of these tests will help the individual and the doctor understand how COPD is progressing over time.

Doctors also use these results when deciding on any treatment plan changes and when making recommendations about a person’s lifestyle.

Individuals who smoke may require more testing, as their symptoms are more likely to progress when compared with people who do not smoke.

Although, FEV1 is a useful measurement that is taken during a pulmonary function test. Therefore, the FEV1 value can be used alongside other tests to diagnose COPD and other lung conditions.

Also, FEV1 helps in the staging and management of a person’s condition and allows doctors to monitor COPD progression over time. As an individual’s lung capacity changes, so do their FEV1 measurements.

However, most people with COPD will need to undergo follow-up pulmonary function tests to check their FEV1. People who smoke may require more frequent testing.