Does anyone know anything about "Restrictive spirometry pattern"?

[KatyMac]

I know a fair but about asthma and bronchiectasis but "Restrictive spirometry pattern" is new to me

Does anyone have any useful info or tips? Could it be a post covid complication?

Is it always bad if there is a delay in identifying it?

Its usually someone's weight but it can indicate Interstitial Lung Disease.
Sorry to not be more specific, I've got to run...it really needs a professional to interpret it, with history, presenting symptoms, and as I said, a very high BMI is the most common. Hope all is OK.

Hmm my bmi is about 27 so I reckon not

Thanks for replying - have a good day

Yes 'interstitial lung disease' or 'Chest wall or neuromuscular limitation' - possibly due to fibromyalgia or ME/CFS

on it's own it doesn't mean very much at all. You need the context of medical history, the actual numbers and trends over time. Whoever requested the test should be able to explain what it means for you.

They said it was more important than what I had booked my appointment for so I had to re-book

I started coughing a bit after I had covid in 21 and didn't stop for over 2 nearly 3 years

They booked me for a spirograph after 3 months (had several xrays over the years) but the department in the hospital had closed down so I couldn't have the test

It's reopened so they did the test and the results are:

Low FVC (75% predicted)
Low FEV₁ (68% predicted)
Normal FEV₁/FVC ratio (0.71)
Restrictive-shaped loop
No Evidence of Obstruction
No meaningful reversibility

Possible causes of restriction:
Obesity-related mechanical limitation (BMI 27.6 — overweight but not obese enough to fully explain restriction)
Suboptimal full lung inflation
Early interstitial lung process
Chest wall or neuromuscular limitation

And made an urgent referral to the hospital (6th Jan)

I also have CFS/ME, Fibromyalgia, hypothyroid, menopause, IBS & hypermobility

I really agree with @Greybeardy .
It needs robust interpretation with someone who has your whole past medical history, presenting symptoms and who has actually seen you in person and put a stethoscope to your chest...and listened to you.
I would really try not to worry too much, at this stage; this spirometry test should be part of a wider investigation, CXR bloods, possible exercise test, amongst others.
On its own, spirometry is not necessarily useful, it needs the spectrum of tests and a human being, sitting in front of you, to diagnose correctly and then come up with a treatment plan for you. You need the detective, who is curious and interested, in YOU!
Do try not to let this overshadow Christmas.
All the best.

Duplicate post sorry

Oh it isn't over shadowing, I'm a newish nana and loving it; but for the first time the gp is doing something after years of having not - so its great

I also just had an mri for my gynae problems which has been going on for several years! & a potential referral for the mental health team for an eating disorder

So all is good

Reading around has been fascinating, a huge number of my symptoms could be due to this or at least not helped by this

Not least of which, I "fall over", I've had an old lady falls assessment and we came up with no reason for the falls - I've said they happen more when I'm tired or I've walked too far

I told Dh & DD that I must have tripped, DH said I fell over and DD said "Mummy had a fall" little minx

I'll tell you what! It makes a cough and a cold a hut more pants!

Got my lung function tests tomorrow and I'm nervous 😐🙄