Question:

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which of the following spirometry findings is true?

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The defining spirometry criterion for COPD is a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC below 0.7.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • FEV1/FVC less than 0.7
  • Normal FEV1/FVC ratio
  • Reduced residual volume
  • Increased FEV1
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: COPD is an obstructive airway disease, so airflow out of the lungs is limited. Spirometry captures this as a fall in the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) relative to the forced vital capacity (FVC).

Step 2: The diagnostic hallmark is a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio that is less than 0.7. This fixed reduced ratio confirms airflow obstruction that is not fully reversible.

Step 3: In COPD the residual volume actually rises due to air trapping and hyperinflation, so a reduced residual volume is wrong. FEV1 is reduced, not increased. A normal ratio would exclude obstruction.

Step 4: The diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide is typically low in emphysema, supporting the obstructive picture but the defining spirometric criterion remains FEV1/FVC less than 0.7.
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