Impulse oscillometry in comparison to spirometry in pregnant asthmatic females

Abstract

To the Editors: Asthma complicates 3–8% of pregnancies 1, 2 and early diagnosis and optimal management of the condition seems necessary. However, spirometry as a clinical measure of airway disease mainly depends on subjects efforts during forced expiratory manoeuvres. Considering the high prevalence of respiratory symptoms and breathlessness in pregnancy and the limited functional capacity and mobility of the diaphragm because of the growing foetus 3, an easier, more rapid screening test that does not require patient cooperation would be ideal. Our study aimed to evaluate the correlation between spirometry and impulse oscillation technique (IOS) parameters to reveal the utility of IOS parameters in diagnosis of airflow obstruction in pregnant females. In total, 125 pregnant females were categorised in …