abnormalities of flow volume curves
Last reviewed 01/2018
There are a variety of abnormalities:
- a flattened curve, ie one where the FEV1 to FVC ratio is reduced; this is a feature of an obstructive defect like asthma
- a curve of normal proportions but reduced size is a feature of a restrictive defect like pulmonary fibrosis
- a curve which plateaus is a feature of upper airway obstruction
obstructive ventilatory impairment