Role of impulse oscillometry in diagnosis and follow-up in bronchial asthma

BACKGROUND: Asthma is defined as a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, characterized by bronchial hyper-responsiveness and variable airflow obstruction, that is often reversible either spontaneously or with treatment. Impulse oscillometry is a newer diagnostic modality for asthma. It is based on the measurement of sound waves reflected by airway resistance. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to study the role of impulse oscillometry in diagnosis and follow-up of bronchial asthma. METHODS: Fifty-five clinically diagnosed bronchial asthma patients were evaluated with spirometry and impulse oscillometry before and after 3 months of inhaled treatment. The sensitivity to diagnose and follow-up was compared using proper statistical tests. RESULTS: Impulse oscillometry was superior to spirometry in diagnosing bronchial asthma and also in accessing the treatment response after 3 months. CONCLUSION: Impulse oscillometry is superior in predicting bronchial asthma and its parameters are also more sensitive in accessing treatment response. It can replace spirometry as it is easy to perform and effort independent.