Welch Allyn CP 150 spirometry option - User Manual - Manual (Page 53)

Asthma symptoms help sheet
Name
What Your Lung Function Results Mean For Those With Symptoms Suggesting
Asthma
You have just performed Spirometry, the basic test of how well your lungs are working. The results may indicate
whether you have asthma and its severity.
___ Your test was within the normal range. If you recently had symptoms such as episodes of shortness of breath with
wheezing, chest tightness, or cough, you may have asthma, but your lung function is normal today. Consider visiting a
physician when you again have asthma symptoms and then repeat this Spirometry test. If you already know that you
have asthma, it is in good control.
___ Your breathing test shows mild airways obstruction (some narrowing of your breathing tubes). You are currently
unable to blow out air quickly. This result may indicate asthma that is not well controlled. Discuss with your physician
medications to better control your asthma.
___ Your breathing test shows moderate-to-severe airways obstruction (narrowing of your breathing tubes). You are
currently unable to blow out air quickly. This result usually indicates asthma that is poorly controlled. Discuss with your
physician very soon the use of medications that will help to better control your asthma and the value of peak flow
monitoring.
___ Your test shows a low forced vital capacity (FVC). Your FVC is the total amount of air that you exhaled, in liters
(similar to quarts). Values below about 80% are abnormally low and suggest that you are unable to inhale or exhale as
much air as most healthy persons of your age, height, gender, and race. Obesity may be one of the causes of a mildly
decreased FVC, and pneumonia is another. Consider asking a physician to review this report at some time during the
next couple of months.
Your result: ____________________ FEV1 % predicted
Your peak flow after inhaling a bronchodilator was ______ L/s (liters per second). You can compare this value to the
peak flow that you measure using your own peak flow meter. The two numbers should match within 1 L/s. If your
asthma is currently in good control, today's value may be close to your best peak flow reading at home.
________________________________
Date
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