FVC

Term: FVCDefinition: Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) is a measure of the total amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled from the lungs after a full inhalation, used to assess lung function.Phonetic Pronunciation: (FORST VY-tul KAP-uh-see)Origin: The term "Forced Vital Capacity" combines "forced," indicating the effortful nature of the test, with "vital capacity," a term coined in the 19th century by physiologist John Hutchinson. "Vital capacity" derives from the Latin "vitalis," meaning life, and "capacitas," meaning capacity or ability, reflecting the essential nature of lung function to life.Significance in Asbestos Context: FVC is significant in asbestos-related cases as it helps diagnose and monitor the progression of asbestos-induced lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. It provides a quantitative measure of lung impairment, which is crucial for establishing the extent of damage caused by asbestos exposure and for legal compensation claims.Example Sentence: The pulmonologist measured the patient's FVC to determine the severity of lung damage caused by years of asbestos exposure in the shipyard.Related Terms: Spirometry, Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, Pulmonary Function Test, FEV1.Notes: - FVC is often used in conjunction with other pulmonary function tests to provide a comprehensive assessment of lung health. - A decrease in FVC can indicate restrictive lung disease, which is common in asbestosis. - FVC values can vary based on age, sex, height, and ethnicity, so reference values are adjusted accordingly.