forced expiratory volume (FEV1)

Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) is a measurement used in lung function tests to determine how much air a person can forcefully exhale in the first second after taking a deep breath. It helps assess the health of the airways and lung capacity. A reduced FEV1 can indicate airway obstructions, such as in asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The test provides valuable information for diagnosing respiratory conditions, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment. It’s a standard, non-invasive way to understand lung function and respiratory health.