In asthma, which spirometry pattern is described?

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Multiple Choice

In asthma, which spirometry pattern is described?

Explanation:
Asthma shows an obstructive pattern with air trapping and often hyperinflation. The key on spirometry is that the airways narrow and obstruct expiratory flow, so FEV1 is reduced. The FEV1/FVC ratio falls because the decline in FEV1 is greater than any change in FVC. FVC itself can be normal or only mildly reduced, but because air gets trapped and the lungs don’t empty completely, total lung capacity increases. So a pattern of decreased FEV1 with normal FVC and increased TLC fits the obstructive, hyperinflated physiology seen in asthma. After bronchodilator use, FEV1 typically improves, reflecting reversibility of the obstruction.

Asthma shows an obstructive pattern with air trapping and often hyperinflation. The key on spirometry is that the airways narrow and obstruct expiratory flow, so FEV1 is reduced. The FEV1/FVC ratio falls because the decline in FEV1 is greater than any change in FVC. FVC itself can be normal or only mildly reduced, but because air gets trapped and the lungs don’t empty completely, total lung capacity increases. So a pattern of decreased FEV1 with normal FVC and increased TLC fits the obstructive, hyperinflated physiology seen in asthma. After bronchodilator use, FEV1 typically improves, reflecting reversibility of the obstruction.

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