What defines poor lung capacity?
Written by
Robert Kelly
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.Reduced lung capacity means your lungs are unable to deliver the required oxygen to your body during common activities. For instance, common tasks, such as dressing and taking brief walks, leave you out of breath. You have constant fatigue, even at rest. Your exercise tolerance is significantly lower than that of people of your age and at a similar level of fitness. These limitations severely impact your overall quality of life.
Activity Limitations
- Inability to walk 100 meters without stopping
- Struggling with light household chores like vacuuming
- Difficulty speaking full sentences without gasping
Physical Symptoms
- Persistent wheezing or whistling sounds during breathing
- Chronic fatigue unrelated to sleep quality
- Frequent morning headaches from overnight oxygen deprivation
Functional Impacts
- Taking 30+ seconds to recover after climbing stairs
- Avoiding social activities involving physical movement
- Needing multiple rest periods during basic grooming routines
Medical diagnosis uses spirometry tests and measures the air volume expelled. When a person does this test, they blow forcefully into a machine. The machine calculates FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in one second) and FVC (forced vital capacity) readings. Doctors compare FEV1 and FVC readings to predicted values based on your demographic. If you have consistently low readings on FEV1 and FVC values, then your capacity is poor.
Managing reduced capacity could encompass focused management approaches. Making use of breathing techniques such as pursed-lip techniques can improve efficacy. Aerobic training can improve endurance over time. Environmental modifications can limit irritants. Nutrition assistance can foster healthy tissue. These methods can optimize current lung function.
Obtain a professional assessment when signs and symptoms remain. Spirometry offers objective measurements. Pulse oximeters measure the amount of oxygen in your blood while you are active. Six-minute walk tests facilitate quantification of the effect on function. Early intervention limits further decline. Specialists can develop individualised comprehensive management plans.
Read the full article: 10 Essential Steps to Improve Lung Capacity
