Failed Class 1 Medical in Gatwick

[floatingfeather]

Hi Everyone,

I failed the spirometry test in Gatwick. I am 6ft2 28 year old male my vital capacity was measured at 7.81 liters and I got an FEV1 % of 62. This further deteriated after been asked to run around the aviation building and been tested again. I thought this low result could have been down to my fitness as even though I am tall and slim I haven’t been very active over the past year with regards to sports.

The CAA told me to discuss these results with my GP or respiratory specialist. And to seek long term treatment of a low dosage inhaled steroid. Both my GP and the respiratory specialist said that there was nothing wrong with me. It might be just because of my height and the fact that I have large lungs, it would be harder for me to force a high % of air out in the 1st second.

My respiratory specialist suggested that I take a methacholine challenge test. I failed this the first time so I was put on an inhaler for 5 weeks. (The one I am using is a Symbicort Turbohaler). I have never had any history of asthma in my life and played numerous sports as a kid and throughout school. So I rebooked to do this methacholine challenge test again and passed it the second time. Now I am back on the inhaler and also bought a powerbreathe to help improve my lung function and hopefully increase my FEV1%. I am scheduled for another Spirometry test in March.

I also bought a home peak flow test and am getting a score ranging from 640 been my highest to 590 been my lowest.

I would just like to know if anyone else has had the same experience as me and did they get their class one medical in the end? Is there any technique I could use to help improve my spirometry test result?

I appreciate any info on this as I am waiting 5 months now to get this all cleared up!

Thanks!