Pulmonary Function Tests

Question 1

What is the purpose of pulmonary function test?

Answer 1

To see if a respiratory disease is obstructive or restrictive.

Question 2

What are the 3 things you look at?

Answer 2

• FEV1
• FVC
• FEV1/FVC Ratio

Question 3

In an obstructive lung disease, what happens to the FEV1, FVC and the FEV1/FVC?

Answer 3

• FEV1 - significantly reduced
• FVC - reduced or normal
• FEV1/FVC - reduced

Question 4

Give some examples of cause of obstructive lung disease?

Answer 4

• COPD
• Asthma
• Bronchiectasis
• Bronchiolitis obliterans

Question 5

In a restrictive lung disease, what happens to the FEV1, FVC and the FEV1/FVC?

Answer 5

• FEV1 - reduced
• FVC - significantly reduced
• FEV1/FVC - normal or increased

Question 6

Give some examples of a restrictive lung disease?

Answer 6

• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Asbestosis
• Sarcoidosis
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome
• Infant respiratory distress syndrome
• Kyphoscoliosis
• Neuromuscular disorders