Question: I just had a spirometry test done......afterwards, in looking at the paper work, I noticed that the technician recorded my age as "62" when I am, in fact, "61"!

My height, sex, and race were all correctly recorded......results were as follows:

FEV1 (predicted), 3.06; ACTUAL, 3.07;

FVC (predicted), 4.07; ACTUAL, 4.49.

FEV1/FVC, (predicted) 75%; ACTUAL, 68%.

Should I be concerned that my age was recorded as 62 instead of 61 in figuring these values?

I understand that these values show a "mild airway obstruction"......would it be considered WORSE if my age had been recorded correctly?

I am extremely worried about this.....a quick response would be appreciated...

Thank you!!!


p.s......my height is 66 inches, and my race is Caucasian, if it matters to your response.....thank you!

.....would you agree that this report indicates a "mild"airway obstruction?....and if so, should I see a pulmonologist about this? I run 15-20 miles per week, and have no apparent breathing problems....but this value is under the expected norm.....i'm frightened.....what should I do now??....thank you for your follow up!!

.....my PCP thought it important to do PFT's because I was, until last year, a smoker; and my father died at age 70 from complications of lung disease.

....I am so worried about the genetic component to developing lung disease that he thought it best to do the tests....

I had the "full battery" of tests one and 1/2 years ago.....DLCO was normal.....in fact, all values were normal except the FEV1/FVC
( showed 67% in February 2015)...but my doctor turned in a diagnostic code for "Mild COPD" at that time.....

....today's test was a follow-up to those earlier tests.....

I have been terrified for the last 18 months....but at least today's spirometry seems to indicate no change....

I DID have a Chest CT in February 2015 that indicated "minimal emphysematous change", but otherwise normal results.

I'm just "living in the dark"......that's why your help is so appreciated!!

Thank you AGAIN, Dr. Bhavsar!!!

I've never had any "symptoms"......no shortness of breath, or anything of that nature.

I have had "acute bronchitis" a couple of times a year for many years....

I am a professional singer, and I have had the same otolaryngologist for 25 years, and he never saw anything "out of the ordinary"....just some "reflux" and periodic inflammation of the vocal chords.

.....to be honest, l DO have the occasional "social" cigarette with friends.....but.....HONESTLY......no "regular habit".

I so appreciate your input, Dr....thank you, thank you!!