Which of the following spirometry results would indicate COPD?

A) FEV1 = 4.3, FVC = 5.0, ratio = 86%
B) FEV1 = 2.8, FVC = 3.1, ratio = 90%
C) FEV1 = 3.8, FVC = 3.8, ratio = 100%
D) FEV1 = 3.3, FVC = 4.3, ratio = 76%
E) FEV1 = 1.8, FVC = 3.1, ratio = 60%


The answer is E, an obstructive defect [such as COPD or asthma] where we see FEV1 is more reduced than FVC, ratio in such cases is usually under 75%.

FEV1 is the amount of air exhaled in 1 second and FVC is the amount of air exhaled until no more breath can be exhaled.

A shows normal values.

B shows values expected in a restrictive disease such as lung fibrosis.