For what range is a vital capacity of less than 10 mL/kg an indicator?

A vital capacity of less than 10 mL/kg is indicative of severe restriction in lung function. This threshold reflects a significant limitation in the lung's ability to expand and fill with air, which can be attributed to various conditions that affect the lung parenchyma, pleura, neuromuscular function, or chest wall mechanics.

In normal lung function, vital capacity typically ranges higher than this threshold, usually around 60 mL/kg or more, depending on individual factors such as age, gender, and size. Mild restriction would usually be suggested by vital capacity values that are diminished yet stay above this cut-off. Therefore, a value below 10 mL/kg signals serious impairment in respiratory mechanics and overall lung capacity, necessitating further evaluation and management of the underlying conditions causing this severe reduction.

Peak flow measurements are not directly related to vital capacity in the same context; they focus more on airflow rates than on lung volume, making those options less relevant in this discussion.