Spirometry risk factor

Normal spirometry ° Avoidance of risk factors ° Influenza vaccine... 

A suspected diagnosis of COPD should be based on the patient s symptoms and/or history of exposure to risk factors. Spirometry is required to confirm the diagnosis. The presence of a postbronchodilator FEV,/FVC ratio less than 70% [the ratio of FEV, to forced vital capacity (FVC)] confirms the presence of airflow limitation that is not fully reversible.1,2 Spirometry results can further be used to classify COPD severity (Table 12-1). Full pulmonary function tests (PFTs) with lung volumes and diffusion capacity and arterial blood gases are not necessary to establish the diagnosis or severity of COPD. 

Patients at risk (stage 0) have normal spirometry but experience chronic symptoms of cough or sputum production and a history of exposure to risk factors. Patients in the remaining four stages of classification all exhibit the hallmark finding of airflow obstruction, i.e., a reduction in the FEVi/FVC ratio to less than 70%. FVC is the total amount of air exhaled after a maximal inhalation. The extent of reduction in FEVi further defines the patient with mild, moderate, severe, or very severe disease. ... 

May have one or more symptoms of chronic cough, sputum production, or dyspnea Exposure to risk factors Normal spirometry Stage I Mild FEV,/FVC < 70%... 

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