What happens to forced expiratory volume (FEV1) in patients with COPD?

In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) decreases. This condition is characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. The leading causes of this airflow obstruction include chronic bronchitis and emphysema, both of which result in the narrowing of airways and destruction of lung tissue, respectively.

As a result, individuals with COPD find it challenging to exhale air quickly, leading to a reduction in the volume of air that can be forcefully exhaled in the first second of expiration. The decrease in FEV1 is a key indicator of the severity of COPD and helps in assessing the overall lung function. Monitoring FEV1 allows healthcare providers to evaluate disease progression and the effectiveness of treatment strategies in affected patients.

Understanding that FEV1 decreases in COPD is crucial, as it highlights the impaired pulmonary function that is characteristic of this disease and helps differentiate it from other respiratory conditions where airflow might be preserved.