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Pulmonary function tests in acute bronchitis: evidence for reversible airway obstruction
The Journal of Family Practice
|September 1, 1987
Summary
Acute bronchitis may involve reversible airway obstruction. Many patients showed improved airflow over five weeks, suggesting bronchospasm plays a role and warrants further study.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Acute bronchitis is a common respiratory illness.
- It presents with productive cough in individuals without chronic lung disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pulmonary airflow disturbances in acute bronchitis.
- To assess the role of airway obstruction and its reversibility.
Main Methods:
- 27 adult patients with acute bronchitis underwent serial pulmonary function tests.
- Daily peak flow measurements and symptom diaries were collected over five weeks.
Main Results:
- 40% of patients initially had reduced forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1).
- Statistically significant improvements in FEV1, FEF25-75, and peak flow were observed over five weeks.
- Patients with initially abnormal FEV1 experienced higher rates of work absence.
Conclusions:
- Reversible airway obstruction is present in many acute bronchitis cases.
- Bronchospasm may contribute to acute bronchitis symptoms.
- Further research on rapid reversibility and bronchodilator treatment is recommended.