What percentage of their lungs work?

Please help our young and adult cystic fibrosis fighters learn about the condition of their lungs in time. One of the most serious tests for their disease is the assessment of the functions of external respiration, which includes the measurement of volumetric and velocity indicators. It allows detecting the degree and severity of damage to the patient's lungs, monitor disease progression and treatment effectiveness. In severe cases, the assessment of FEV1 (forced expiratory volume) becomes an indicator that a person needs a lung transplant.

These studies are performed using special devices – spirometers. There are similar ones in hospitals where patients with COPD, people with allergies and other respiratory diseases are examined and treated. The problem is that due to the epidemiological situation, it is not safe for the patients with cystic fibrosis to visit hospitals. And the institutions themselves are increasingly refusing to examine these patients for safety reasons. And it is important to do spirometry at least once every three months. This is mentioned both in the Ukrainian and international treatment protocols for a definite reason. Decreased FEV1 may indicate improper treatment or worsening of the condition due to the addition of an undetected infection, which is extremely dangerous.

There is a way out. We want to purchase individual portable spirometers for our wards with which patients will be able to do this study right at home, followed by medical advice. We kindly ask you to help us.