Non-obstructive patterns of spirometry among obese patients presenting with symptoms and signs of mild to moderate asthma

Abstract EN

-Background : Asthmatic patients typically show obstructive pattern on spirometry; with positive response to bronchodilators.

However, there is paucity of data regarding presentation of obese patients with non-obstructive patterns of spirometry.

Methods : A sample of 295 known asthmatic patients (74 % over-weights or obese and 26 % nonobese) was selected from those attending respiratory clinic of Yastabshiron Hospital for follow up.

A portable spirometer (All flow, Clement Clarke International, UK) was used for measurement of FEV1, FVC, FEV1 / FVC ratio and PEF for each patient.

Measurements were carried out on presentation and then 15 minutes following inhalation of 0.

5 mg salbutamol using a spacer.

Results: Typical obstructive pattern was found in only 17.

4 % of obese patients, normal pattern in 18.

3 %, restrictive in 45.

9 % and combined pattern in 18.

3 %.

The relation between obesity and patterns of spirometry was found to be statistically insignificant (P = 0.

808).

Significant proportions of all patterns showed positive reversibility tests (P = 0.000).

Conclusion : It is concluded that all patterns of spirometry are expected in obese patients with mild to moderate asthma.

Reversibility tests are highly significant among asthmatic patients, irrespective to their spirometric pattern