25th May 2025

A 56-year-old smoker presents with reduced exercise tolerance and shortness of breath.

A 56-year-old smoker presents with reduced exercise tolerance and shortness of breath. He has had several bouts of purulent cough that settled with antibiotics. He was previously short of breath on mobilising 5 meters 1 year ago but is currently short of breath climbing upstairs in his home. Examination reveals tachypnoea with bilateral wheeze. He was seen to demonstrate pursed-lip breathing. CXR showed hyperinflated lungs with flattening of the diaphragms. 

Which of the following results are expected from spirometry?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.