Lung Oscillometry: A Practical Solution for Overcoming Spirometry Challenges

Background: Lung oscillometry is an alternative pulmonary function test in patients unable to perform spirometry due to cough or dyspnea. Objective: The objective of the study was to study the characteristics of lung oscillometry parameters in patients with cough or dyspnea and who are unable to perform spirometry. Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional study Was conducted in a pulmonology outpatient clinic. Patients during the study period were selected for lung oscillometry after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The resistance and reactance parameters were measured along with the demographic variables. Statistical calculations were done. Results: Forty-two percent patients were found to have airway obstruction if the recommended cutoff for resistance at 5 hertz (R5) was followed. However, reactance parameters were abnormal in most of the cases. The area of reactance (Ax) had a very good coefficient of correlation with R5 (0.867, P = 0.001). Conclusions: Ax is a suitable lung oscillometric parameter for identifying airway obstruction in asthmatics.