Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
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Ann. Allergy Asthma Immunol. · Sep 2012
Are we overlooking persistent small airways dysfunction in community-managed asthma?
Whether small airways dysfunction persists in patients with asthma receiving standard community treatment is unknown. Impulse oscillometry (IOS) is a sensitive measure of small airways function. ⋯ Persistent small airways dysfunction occurs despite treatment at steps 2 through 4 of current asthma guidelines. Extra-fine ICS may reduce airway resistance at step 2. Prospective studies with extra-fine ICS ± LABA at steps 2 through 4 are required to discern whether improving small airways function might result in long-term improved control.