Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 6, 2026
14:49
Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting
Published on: April 8, 2022
8.2K
Oscillometry findings in altered spirometry patterns and relationship to respiratory symptoms
Sanna Kjellberg1,2, Ida Åhman3,2, Martin Färdig3
1School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
ERJ Open Research
|November 19, 2025
Summary
Abnormal impulse oscillometry (IOS) findings are common in individuals with spirometry patterns like preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) and restrictive spirometry pattern (RSP). These abnormal IOS results help explain respiratory symptoms and increased sick leave in affected patients.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary medicine
- Respiratory physiology
- Diagnostic imaging
Background:
- Preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) and restrictive spirometry pattern (RSP) are linked to higher morbidity and mortality.
- The underlying mechanisms for these spirometry patterns remain unclear.
- Impulse oscillometry (IOS) offers sensitive small airway function assessment, surpassing spirometry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of abnormal IOS findings across different spirometry patterns (obstructive, PRISm, RSP).
- To examine the association between abnormal IOS indices and respiratory symptoms.
- To explore the link between abnormal IOS findings, spirometry patterns, and respiratory-related sick leave.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 10,360 participants (aged 50-64) in the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS).
- Simultaneous assessment of IOS and spirometry.
- Questionnaires were used to collect data on respiratory symptoms.
- Reference values were established from healthy, never-smoking participants; abnormality was defined as <5th or >95th percentile.
Main Results:
- Abnormal IOS indices were prevalent across spirometry groups: 31% (obstructive), 38% (PRISm), 28% (RSP), and 40% (PRISm+RSP).
- Abnormal IOS was associated with respiratory symptoms, including wheeze in obstructive and RSP groups, and dyspnoea in the PRISm group.
- Increased respiratory-related sick leave was observed in obstructive and PRISm+RSP groups, with the highest risk in the latter.
Conclusions:
- Abnormal impulse oscillometry (IOS) indices are frequently observed in individuals with abnormal spirometry patterns.
- IOS findings provide a partial explanation for respiratory symptoms experienced by patients with altered spirometry.
- IOS may offer valuable insights into the functional consequences of spirometry abnormalities.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
1.3K
In assessing respiratory abnormalities, palpation and auscultation are critical tools for detecting and interpreting various pathophysiological changes. These techniques provide insight into underlying disorders by evaluating tactile sensations and sounds produced by the respiratory system.
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
1.3K
01:30Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion
722
Respiratory system abnormalities are a significant concern in healthcare due to their potential to indicate underlying severe conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, and pneumonia. These abnormalities can often be detected through physical examination methods like inspection and percussion.
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
722
01:27Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
808
Physical assessment of the respiratory tract through inspection is a crucial step in understanding the patient's respiratory health. It provides insights into the functioning of the respiratory system, the musculoskeletal structure, and even the patient's nutritional status. This comprehensive approach involves observing several vital aspects: chest configuration, breathing patterns, respiratory rates, skin color, and use of accessory muscles.
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration...
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration...
808
01:29Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
2.3K
Respiratory Depth
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
2.3K
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
3.1K
Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
Medical History
3.1K
01:30Alterations in Respiration II
1.5K
There are numerous types of normal and abnormal respiration. Based on ventilatory movements, breathing patterns are classified as regular, deep, or shallow. Examples include Biot's breathing, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, Kussmaul's breathing, hyperventilation, and hypoventilation. Each pattern is clinically significant and aids in evaluating patients.
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes...
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes...
1.5K