Question

A 70-year-old lifelong smoker with chronic cough and exertional dyspnoea undergoes spirometry. Post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio is 0.60, and FEV1 is 55 percent predicted. He has no significant reversibility. Which statement best reflects the interpretation of these findings according to Canadian thoracic guidance?

Accepted Answer

The results confirm a diagnosis of COPD with moderate airflow obstruction

Answer

Spirometry is normal; his symptoms are unlikely to be due to lung disease

Answer

The findings are diagnostic of asthma rather than COPD

Answer

The low FEV1 indicates restrictive lung disease

Answer

Further spirometry is unnecessary because COPD is diagnosed purely on symptoms and smoking history

Practice question