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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
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Myasthenia Gravis |
Test to Measure Breathing Muscle Strength06/23/2003 |
Every time I go to my neuro, the nurse administers this test where I blow into a tube as long and hard as I can and a device measures something. I used to always score 100%, but the last three visits were between 60 and 70%. The doctor never comments on this test. The nurse told me that it`s different from the blow test for asmtha. The only thing I know is that it measure the strength of the breathng muscles. Can you explain how the test works and its significance? Also, although I get short of breath on exertion, I never have a real problem. Therefore, can I assume that the test must register a VERY low percentage before there is concern?
Your doctor is measuring your "forced vital capacity (FVC)" which is a good indicator of your breathing strength and breathing safety. 60 or 70% of your predicted value (based on height, weight, age, smoking history) is a safe value. It is, however, important to remember that uncontrolled MG is a fluctuating disease, so breathing strength and safety can change fairly rapidly. The most common causes of death in MG are related to breathing strength. The FVC is just a snapshot of how you are doing at a particular time. Trends are important and fluctuations are important. It is therefore important to work closely with your neurologist to ensure the best possible care.
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John G. Quinlan, MD Professor Department of Neurology College of Medicine University of Cincinnati |
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