Respiratory impedance and response to salbutamol in healthy individuals and patients with COPD.

Background: Recent studies suggested that the bronchodilator response depends on airway obstruction. The forced oscillation technique (FOT) may help improve our understanding of the changes in respiratory mechanics that occur after the application of a bronchodilator.

Objectives: We aimed to (1) assess the response to salbutamol and to compare the impedance changes in healthy individuals and COPD patients, (2) investigate the effects of airway obstruction on this response and (3) evaluate the utility of the FOT as a complementary measurement to assess the response to the bronchodilator.

Bronchodilation in COPD: beyond FEV1-the effect of albuterol on resistive and reactive properties of the respiratory system.

Objective: Current debates on the bronchodilator response in COPD patients and whether the variation in FEV1 can be considered as an indicator of complete reversibility in such patients motivated us to conduct this study. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of albuterol on the resistive and reactive properties of the respiratory system in COPD patients.

Methods: We evaluated 70 patients with COPD, divided into two groups based on spirometry findings: bronchodilator (BD)-negative (n = 39); and BD-positive (n = 31).