6 years ago, when I was 68 years old, had a pulmonary function test. My results were:
FV = 2.28 Liters; 77% predicted.
FEV1 = 1.50 Liters; 67 % predicted.
FEV1/FVC = 66%
My question is: what does the predicted part mean? For instance with the FEV1, does it mean I'm only blowing out 67% of what is expected from someone my age, gender, race, height and weight? OR 67% of what a normal person would blow if they never smoked?
Had another PFT 3 years ago and doctor said I have moderate COPD.
I never stopped smoking (1/2 to 1 pack per day) and had no symptoms. No shortness of breath. But about a year ago I noticed crackles and sometimes rhonchi only when I lie down on my right or left side to sleep, yet still no SOB or wheezing. I'm not on oxygen and feel good. What do the crackles represent and where in the lungs are they located?