Assessing the airways.
Spirometry is the best test to detect airway obstruction, categorize the severity of obstructive lung diseases, and objectively measure changes in severity because of disease progression or treatment. However, peak flow may be helpful to rule out moderate to severe airway obstruction and for home monitoring in some patients with asthma.
College of Public Health, University of Arizona, USA. lungguy@aol.com
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D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D017563:Lung Diseases, Interstitial / Q000175:diagnosis; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D013147:Spirometry; D014797:Vital Capacity