Understand your values
Here you can learn what the different values in your measurement mean. Choose a profile to see what the values typically look like, and what you can keep an eye on over time.
Choose the profile that fits you best
How you can use your measurements — Mild COPD
A measurement shows what your lung function looks like right now. When you measure over a longer period, you can also see whether your values are stable or starting to change. A single measurement that stands out can have many causes, including differences in technique.
Compare the measurement with your usual level, and notice whether you are also having more symptoms than usual.
Follow whether the values are stable or change over time. Talk to your care team if you see a lasting decline.
Key values to watch
FEV1 and FEV1/FVC are used to track disease progression and confirm the COPD diagnosis.
FEV1 — The air you blow out in the first second
FEV1 shows how much air you can blow out during the first second when you blow as hard and fast as possible. A lower value can be a sign that air has a harder time getting through the airways.
Air may have a slightly harder time getting out of the lungs quickly. FEV1 and FEV1/FVC may therefore be lower than predicted.
FEV1 shows how much air you can blow out during the first second when you blow as hard and fast as possible. A lower value can be a sign that air has a harder time getting through the airways.
From medical language to everyday language
Here are some of the words you may hear when your doctor or care team talks about your lung function.
Spirometry
A test that measures how much air you can breathe out of your lungs, and how fast.
Predicted value
A calculated reference for a person of, among other things, your age and height. It is not a personal target you necessarily have to hit exactly.
Baseline
Your usual level when you are feeling well. It is used to see whether your measurements change over time.
Obstruction
Means that air has a harder time getting out quickly through the airways. It is also called narrowed airways.
Reversibility
Means that lung function improves after using airway-widening medication.
Bronchodilator
Airway-widening medication that helps the muscles around the airways relax.
Exacerbation
A period when your lung disease and your symptoms become clearly worse than usual. It is also called a flare-up.
Acceptable measurement
Means the blow was performed well enough for the measurement to be used. It does not necessarily mean the result itself is normal.
Variation
Small differences between measurements are common and can be caused by, among other things, how you feel that day or differences in technique.
GOLD
An international classification of how severe your COPD is (GOLD 1-4), based on your FEV1 compared with the predicted level.
Source: GOLD – Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung DiseaseSource: Read more about GOLDManualThe guide helps you understand your measurements, but it cannot be used to make a diagnosis or to change your treatment. Contact a healthcare professional if your values drop repeatedly or you get new or worsening symptoms.