Small airways dysfunction is associated with increased exacerbations in patients with asthma
Claire F. O’Sullivan, Kris Nilsen, Brigitte M. Borg, Matthew J. Ellis, Pam Matsas, Frank Thien, John Aubrey Douglass, Chris Stuart-Andrews, Gregory G. King, G. Kim Prisk, Bruce Thompson
Abstract
This study assessed the relationship between peripheral airway function, measured by multiple breath nitrogen washout and oscillometry impedance, and exacerbation history. We found that those with a history of exacerbation in the last year had worse peripheral airway function, whereas those recently treated for an asthma exacerbation had peripheral airway function that was comparable to the stable group. These findings implicate active peripheral airway dysfunction in the pathophysiology of an asthma exacerbation.
Topics & Concepts
SpirometryExacerbationMedicineNitrogen washoutAsthmaAirwayCardiologyRespiratory physiologyInternal medicineRespiratory systemVentilation (architecture)Lung volumesPulmonary function testingLungAnesthesiaFunctional residual capacityMechanical engineeringEngineeringAsthma and respiratory diseasesChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) ResearchRespiratory and Cough-Related Research