Healthcare professionals use various methods to assess lung capacity. Lung function tests provide a snapshot of your lung performance at a given time and are among the results used to diagnose and evaluate the progression of respiratory diseases. Spirometry is the most common lung function test and provides information about both lung volumes and airflow. Here’s an explanation of some commonly used parameters:
FEV1 (Forced expiratory volume in the first second):
FEV1 measures the amount of air you can exhale from your lungs in the first second of a forced breath. This value is crucial because it reflects how quickly your airways can be emptied. Lower FEV1 values may indicate compromised lung function, such as in COPD or asthma.
FVC (Forced vital capacity):
FVC measures the total volume of air you can exhale after taking a deep breath and then exhaling as forcefully and quickly as possible. This value provides an indication of your total lung capacity. Lower FVC values may suggest issues with lung volume or the elasticity of lung tissue.
FEV6 (Forced exhalation volume in six seconds):
FEV6 measures the total volume of air you can exhale over a six-second period.
PEF (Peak expiratory flow):
PEF measures the maximum rate at which you can force air out of your lungs. This value can vary depending on the diameter of your airways. PEF is especially useful for monitoring asthma and other respiratory conditions and can help detect worsening of the disease.
