RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Dismantling airway disease with the use of new pulmonary function indices
JF European Respiratory Review
JO EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW
FD European Respiratory Society
SP 180122
DO 10.1183/16000617.0122-2018
VO 28
IS 151
A1 Sabine C. Zimmermann
A1 Katrina O. Tonga
A1 Cindy Thamrin
YR 2019
UL http://err.ersjournals.com/content/28/151/180122.abstract
AB We are currently limited in our abilities to diagnose, monitor disease status and manage chronic airway disease like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Conventional lung function measures often poorly reflect patient symptoms or are insensitive to changes, particularly in the small airways where disease may originate or manifest. Novel pulmonary function tests are becoming available which help us better characterise and understand chronic airway disease, and their translation and adoption from the research arena would potentially enable individualised patient care.In this article, we aim to describe two emerging lung function tests yielding novel pulmonary function indices, the forced oscillation technique (FOT) and multiple breath nitrogen washout (MBNW). With a particular focus on asthma and COPD, this article demonstrates how chronic airway disease mechanisms have been dismantled with the use of the FOT and MBNW. We describe their ability to assess detailed pulmonary mechanics for diagnostic and management purposes including response to bronchodilation and other treatments, relationship with symptoms, evaluation of acute exacerbations and recovery, and telemonitoring. The current limitations of both tests, as well as open questions/directions for further research, are also discussed.Spirometry is used to diagnose and manage airway disease such as asthma and COPD, but relates poorly to symptoms, lacks sensitivity and is effort dependent. FOT and MBNW are emerging clinical lung function tests that help us dismantle disease mechanisms. http://ow.ly/nM0G30nS6Ct