Health condition
Spirometry results explained
Spirometry - the blow-into-the-machine lung test - produces three key numbers: FEV1, FVC and their ratio, whose patterns separate obstructive disease (asthma, COPD) from restrictive problems, and track lung health over time.
Why trust this guide
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Editorial team
Written by our editorial team from the UK sources listed on each page.
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Sourced from guidance
Checked against current NHS and UK specialist society guidance at the time of review.
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Current for 2026
Reviewed on 2026-09-27 with the next review scheduled for 2027-09-27.
Key facts
The essentials at a glance.
The symptoms to recognise, when to seek help, which specialist to see, and what treatment usually involves.
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FVC: the total volume you can force out; FEV1: the volume out in the first second; ratio below about 0.7 suggests obstruction
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Obstructive pattern (low ratio): asthma and COPD - reversibility testing with a bronchodilator separates them
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Restrictive pattern (low FVC with preserved ratio): suggests stiff or small lungs - fibrosis, chest wall or muscle problems - and needs fuller lung function testing to confirm
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Specialist: a consultant respiratory physician for interpretation in context; results are compared with predicted values for your age, sex and height, and technique matters enormously
Understanding the condition
What it is and what happens next.
What causes it, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment routes available in the UK.
What it is and how it feels
Spirometry compresses lung mechanics into an exhalation: after the deepest possible breath you blast air out as hard and long as you can, and the machine measures how much comes out in the first second (FEV1) and in total (FVC). Healthy airways empty most of the lung within that first second, so the FEV1/FVC ratio sits comfortably above 0.7; narrowed airways - asthma's inflammation and spasm, COPD's damage - slow the emptying and drop the ratio, with the FEV1 percentage grading severity, while stiff or restricted lungs empty fast but hold less, shrinking FVC with the ratio preserved or high. Repeating the test after a bronchodilator asks the discriminating question: obstruction that substantially reverses speaks of asthma, fixed obstruction of COPD.
Diagnosis and treatment routes
Reading a report means anchoring on those three numbers against predicted values for your demographics, then the pattern, then the bronchodilator response - and holding the caveats: spirometry is effort-dependent, so quality grades matter and a poorly performed test misleads; normal spirometry does not exclude early or episodic disease (asthma between flares is often normal, which is where FeNO, peak-flow diaries and challenge testing come in); and a restrictive-looking result needs confirmation with full lung volumes and gas transfer before conclusions are drawn. Serial measurements carry the deepest value - the trajectory of FEV1 across years reveals accelerated decline or treatment response - making spirometry both a diagnostic snapshot and a long-term monitoring companion. In many parts of the UK, routine NHS referrals for this kind of problem currently take 20-45+ weeks, whereas an initial appointment with a private consultant is typically available within around two weeks.
Seeing a specialist
Who to see, and how quickly you can be seen.
The specialist for this condition is usually a consultant respiratory physician. Your GP can refer you on the NHS, or you can arrange a private consultation directly.
A quiet reminder
This guide is for information, not medical advice.
Your GP knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If in doubt, see them - and seek urgent care for any of the emergency symptoms described above.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Spirometry results explained.
Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.
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What does spirometry results explained mean?
Spirometry results explained is a medical condition that can affect people differently depending on severity, underlying cause and overall health. A clinician can confirm the diagnosis and explain what it means specifically for you.
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What are the risk factors for spirometry results explained?
Causes vary and can include genetic, environmental, lifestyle and other health-related factors, and in some people no single clear cause is found. Your clinician can help identify anything relevant to your own case.
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What are the symptoms of spirometry results explained?
Symptoms vary between individuals and depend on which body systems are affected and how significant the underlying problem is. Keeping track of what you notice, and when, helps your clinician assess it accurately.
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Is spirometry results explained serious or dangerous?
Severity varies from mild and self-limiting to more significant, depending on the underlying cause and how it's managed. A clinical assessment is the best way to understand what it means in your specific situation.
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Is spirometry results explained hereditary or genetic?
This depends on the specific condition — some cases have a genetic or familial component, while others are linked more to environmental, lifestyle or other health factors. If you have a relevant family history, it's worth mentioning to your clinician.
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Can spirometry results explained be cured, reversed or prevented?
Many cases can be effectively treated or managed, and prevention strategies exist for some causes, though this depends on the specific underlying reason in your case. Your clinician can explain what's realistic for you.
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What treatment options are available for spirometry results explained?
Treatment is tailored to the underlying cause and severity, and can range from simple lifestyle or self-management measures to medical or specialist intervention.
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How long does spirometry results explained last, or take to recover from?
This varies depending on the underlying cause, how early it's identified, and how well it responds to treatment — your clinician can give a more specific expectation once assessed.
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When should specialist referral be considered for spirometry results explained?
Specialist referral is worth considering if symptoms persist, are getting worse, or aren't responding to initial treatment — your GP can help decide the right pathway and urgency.
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When should I see a doctor about spirometry results explained, and how quickly can I be seen privately?
See a doctor if symptoms are persistent, worsening, or affecting your daily life — earlier assessment generally leads to better management. NHS routine referrals for this kind of concern often take 20–45 weeks or longer depending on the area, while a private consultant can typically see you within about 2 weeks, with faster access to scans and specialist opinion.