Welch Allyn CP 150 spirometry option - User Manual - Manual (Page 52)

Adult smokers help sheet
Name
What Your Lung Function Results Mean For Adult Smokers
You have just performed Spirometry, the basic test of how well your lungs are working. The results indicate whether you
have developed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to smoking. COPD occurs in about one of every five
smokers after more than 20 years of smoking. COPD slowly “eats away” at the lung's reserves. Affected smokers are
often unaware of lung disease until more than half of their lung function has been lost. Spirometry testing can detect
COPD many years before symptoms occur.
___ Your test result was within the normal range. You do not appear to be developing COPD. However, as a smoker, you
remain at high risk of developing a heart attack, stroke, and/or lung cancer. Call the number at the bottom of this page
for help with smoking cessation.
___ Your test result shows mild airways obstruction, suggesting that you are a “susceptible smoker” who already
shows signs of early COPD. You are unable to blow out air as quickly as normal (your FEV1/FVC is low). If you continue
smoking, you will eventually develop disabling lung disease (in about 10-20 years). If you are able to successfully quit
smoking sometime soon, your lung function may return to normal levels and you will probably never develop symptoms
of COPD. Call the number at the bottom of this page if you would like information about local resources to help you quit
smoking.
___ Your test result shows moderate-to-severe airways obstruction. You have COPD. If you continue smoking, your lung
disease will certainly get worse and you will eventually become short of breath while walking, climbing stairs, or doing
other exercise. It is very important that you seek help to stop smoking. If you are able to successfully quit smoking
sometime soon, you will probably regain a little lung function within three months, and the abnormally rapid decline in
your lung function which you have experienced due to smoking will be stopped. Call the number at the bottom of this
page for information about local resources to help you quit smoking.
Your result: ____________________ FEV1 % predicted
For more information contact:
________________________________
Date
48 About the patient help sheets CP 150 spirometry option