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Forced spirometry in students aged 18 to 25 at the University of Guayaquil: Reference values to consider in the post-COVID 19 pandemic

Abstract:

Forced Spirometry (PE), a technique focused on exploring pulmonary ventilation function measured from the amount of air that can be retained during forced expiration simulation. Objective: to determine the normal / standard Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) values in students of the University of Guayaquil, between 18 and 25 years of age, identifying the main risk factors causing the decrease in lung function, comparable in the post-pandemic COVID 19. Epidemiological cross-sectional study developed during October 2018 - March 2019. From a universe of 63,000 students, the randomly selected sample according to the inclusion criteria of Mart Elkin was 715 students of Administration, Medical Sciences and Jurisprudence. The data collection technique was the observation guide, being tabulated in Microsoft Excel2010, applying descriptive statistics with measures of central tendency. Results reflected in that 83.644% ranged between 18 and 23 years, 50.77% were female, this age group being the smallest of the groups studied. 32.87% are overweight or obese. Although 75% do not have the habit of smoking, Medical Sciences showed 0.44% of smokers. The FVC severity scale is normal, being> 80 with a FVC1 / FVC coefficient for both sexes. Spirometric values make it possible to decide based on clinical criteria which, when and why to apply respiratory therapy, which constitutes a valuable resource in times of post-Covid 19 pandemic.