The FEV1/FVC Ratio

The FEV1/FVC ratio is a measurement used in lung function tests to assess how well your lungs are working. It compares the amount of air you can forcibly exhale in the first second (FEV1) to the total amount you can exhale after taking a deep breath (FVC). A normal ratio suggests your lungs are functioning properly. If the ratio is low, it may indicate obstruction, such as in asthma or COPD, meaning it's harder for air to flow out quickly. This test helps doctors diagnose and monitor respiratory conditions accurately.