How to interpret spirometry (in simple terms)? Lung function testing explained thoroughly

A thorough explanation of lung function testing and spirometry interpretation, in simple language, with examples. I explain the what the main lung function tests are, why spirometry values may be wrong, how to perform spirometry, the FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in the first second), the FVC (forced vital capacity) and the FEV1/FVC ratio. The video ends with examples of normal vs. abnormal spirometry, looking at trends in the FVC over time, obstructive and restrictive patterns.
Timestamps:
01:15 What is lung function testing?
02:10 Types of lung function tests
07:09 Spirometry
10:04 Wrong results on spirometry
13:58 Most important results
15:30 How is spirometry performed?
17:57 FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio
21:30 Liters (L) vs. percent predicted (%)
24:01 Normal spirometry
27:32 Defining normal is difficult (examples)
30:13 FVC trends over time (with examples)
34:46 Obstructive pattern (COPD)
39:28 Restrictive pattern (pulmonary fibrosis)
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#spirometry #lungs
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Disclaimers:
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For all viewers/listeners:
The information presented here or in other videos and posts on this channel is not medical advice. These materials reflect general medical knowledge which may not apply to your individual case. If you have health concerns, please see your own doctor or other healthcare provider without delay.
For medical professionals:
You must use your professional judgement when treating your patients. The information presented in this and other videos/posts on this channel is for general medical education only. It may not apply to all patients or clinical scenarios.
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[@stefaniac7372]

Resident doctor here. Never in my life has anybody or any book or any video explained spirometry to me so straight forward as you did, sir. Thank you very much! I feel so lucky and so blessed to have found your channel and I don't know how I have not encountered it earlier.

[@SulemanIbrahim-pb6jz]

this is the best lecture ever in my experience on spiro

[@alisonrossiter406]

This an excellent, simple and concise description of how to interpret spirometry. I perform this test daily as an Occupational Health nurse, establishing and monitoring the lung function of workers in high risk industries. Thank you :)

[@darkiceangell]

I'm a respiratory therapist and I do all of these 😊

[@34-yankee86]

I am a EE and post grad BIOMED who spent time in Naval Aviation and continued on in Naval Aviation Physiology and Naval Air Warfare. Did a lot of pilot training in Aviation Physiology and NAWCTSD with Hper and Hypo-baric chambers, breathing techniques and muscle control and maneuvers to increase tolerance to high gravitational forces so am very aware of content, structure and presentation in technical issues. You have put togerther a very thorough, well structured and informative presentation here that you can be proud of. It is geared for about anyone needing this kind of information. As we say in my "old world" Bravo Zulu.

[@AthenaShay21]

Family nurse practitioner student here. Thank you for this! Such a helpful explanation.

[@prakashvaratharajoo5623]

beautiful professional explanations of spirometry. Thank you so much i just refreshed my knowledge through you.

[@tenamazega4878]

Excellent session with amazing clarity! Thank you.

[@faithpurkis7663]

Thank you Dr Stefen, I really really enjoyed your teaching which is so clear and has given me a much better understanding on the spirometry and the interpretations. I love your teaching. God bless you.

[@geaenett]

Excellent video. Thank you for the info. Going into my 3rd breathing test in two days.

[@user-dn7cb1jr6f]

Excellent video, thank you so much for taking the time to explain.

[@jessicamcneil5624]

I appreciate you recommending saving the results. I had my first test in 2013, 2nd test Nov 2023.

[@teresagevedon5856]

Thank you so much for this information. You made it much easier to understand!

[@unsolicitedcomment]

Thank you for this really helpful video!

[@BigPeaceFarm]

very informative. thank you

[@sheryleez]

Thankyou very much i had one day of spirometry study today and this has helped me cross some ts and dots some eyes.very helpful as i have an exam tomorrow. ❤

[@lorrainescarbrough7465]

Thank you so much! This explained it so well.

[@antholethleckie6789]

Thank you for this. I’m a fairly new Pulmonary NP your videos are very informative and helpful.

[@ceepatterson3616]

Excellent presentation and it was well understood

[@EiliyaLavasani]

Thanks a lot doctor for your great explanation, your explanation is great sir.

[@fatimayasir9115]

Thanks a lot Doctor ,that was really helpful!

[@sarawatts5714]

I know the coaching makes a difference I’m an rt I’m learning pfts now so a lot relying on us .. but I can see she’s on 02 and it’s hard for pts that need it and come off of it so I’m learning as I go .. thanks for the video

[@macmuniz7357]

im having this taste tomorrow with Methacholine and didn't have any idea how is supposed to done but after I so you video I do understand very clearly what my pulmonologist is looking for to tell me if I have asthma. thanks for your well explained information

[@ndubuisionuoha6471]

Thanks Doc. It was really helpful. I don't think it's long at all.

[@MeetNYC-wc7uj]

EXCELLENT ... Thanks.

[@drelizabethmarsh8752]

Thank you l have enjoyed the entire video.

[@claireparkes9262]

Excellent !

[@debojyotighosh3060]

Excellent doctor
Keep doing
Aspiraing medico❤

[@mahbubulislam2592]

exellent presentation

[@lorrainescarbrough7465]

Thanks!

[@Jimo225]

are there any rule of thumb tests you can do to check your lungs at home such as how many deep breaths you can take before your head gets dizzy?

[@carloskleiber8500]

I just did a FENO test, due to lung problem, and result was 'above 300' (machine did not say how much), so how can I get reading back down? have very infrequent asthmatic feeling, main problem was severe production of phlegm, esp in mornings and evenings, now gone due to course of antibiotics/steroids (5 day course), and now on Relvar inhaler, generallly quite good, no cough, phlegm, but this high Feno reading

[@richardho8205]

Dr. Stefan mentioned @ home spirometry test. Can anyone recommend an accurate at home tester?

[@mikelevenson7271]

Dr Stefan can you make sense of a lpf test where i scored a .7 liter increase over my last test..that amounts to almost a 25% increase over the previous test.. the person reading my test was scratching her head as I have a type of familial pulmonary fibrosis and it seems from this test I have improved.. is that possible?

[@helenreid1792]

It was very informative, does air physio help them

[@roosaturpeinen96]

Hello! I'm a student at Finnish Savonia UAS, and currently working on my bachelors thesis regarding entry to the UK spirometry market. I would very much like to interview a professional such as yourself, please let me know if this would be possible. It would not take long and questions are related to your experience working in the medical field. Thank you for your time!

[@barry5176]

Hi Dr,
How would predicted or base line be calculated / set for patients with a left lower lobectomy and 65 years of Bronchiectasis with regular infections. Can Spirometry testing still be useful?

[@orlamaginn6790]

I think the pattern over time in this case here would be more useful.

[@goodyeoman4534]

Love it. Thanks for this. Try saying "plethysmography" after a few beers, though.

[@DrStefanCristianStanel]

:))

[@kaseylockridge2992]

All my % numbers is under 65

[@Stolencamaro]

Stefan prvi silni srbin sveti

[@oleksandrpaziuk6317]

Thanks, it was interesting