It's not all about small airways disease: key limitations of oscillometry interpretation

An exciting aspect of oscillometry is the ability to detect small airways disease (SAD), particularly through frequency dependence of resistance, commonly measured as R5-R20. While SAD influences oscillometry measurements, it is important to realize that oscillometry is not specific for SAD. In addition, oscillometry measurements do not take into account lung volume, which can influence the measurements and make interpretation less clear. Finally, while oscillometry is very sensitive at detecting abnormalities of lung function, it is not specific for distinct lung diseases. These limitations should be considered when using oscillometry in respiratory physiology and medicine, where oscillometry provides valuable complimentary information to other lung function tests in evaluation of lung health.