Oscillometry—A reasonable option to monitor lung functions in the era of COVID‐19 pandemic

Small airway dysfunction on impulse oscillometry and pathological signs on lung ultrasound are frequent in post-COVID-19 patients with persistent respiratory symptoms

“…However, the use of these techniques during the pandemic raises concerns because of the risk of infection transmission through the generation of aerosols and coughing during such tests [ 10 ]. Given this concern, a simple method that does not require a forced expiratory maneuver to evaluate respiratory mechanics is impulse oscillometry (IOS), which also has the advantage of having high sensitivity to evaluate peripheral airway disease (PAD) [ 11 ]. IOS measures respiratory system impedance (Zrs), which consists of respiratory system resistance (Rrs, in-phase response) and respiratory system reactance (out-of-phase response) [ 12 ].…”

Forced Oscillation Technique for Monitoring the Respiratory Status of Children with Cystic Fibrosis: A Systematic Review

“…It has been used mainly for monitoring patients with asthma but is increasingly being applied in patients with CF. It is of note that in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a growing interest in oscillometry as it is a procedure with lesser aerosol production than spirometry [5].…”

COVID-19 – A wakeup call for allergy practice transition

“…[1] COVID-19 has made matters worse by markedly limiting the clinic attendance and conduction of only select aerosol-generating procedures like spirometry. [3] With the pandemic at its current pace, it will be prudent to rapidly adapt allergy practices to benefit the masses. The desired changes in routine allergy practice are as follows:…”

“…• Universal personal protection -Facemask (preferably N-95) should be continued even after COVID-19 pandemic to reduce air-borne allergen and pollutant exposure • Self-monitoring -Home tracking of vitals (heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature), oximetry, and lung functions by personal flowmeters should be encouraged. An emergency action plan needs to be made available to the needy particularly those suffering from asthma or at risk of anaphylaxis • Medical digitalization -Use of technological advancements such as teleconsultations, inhaler/nasal spray technique video demonstration, serial monitoring of symptom and medication scores, and periodic digital reminders to ensure compliance should be amalgamated in the allergy practice as these can be effectively provided to masses, even at remote areas with limited resources in short span of time period [4] • Rationalizing diagnostic tools -Questionnaire-based assessment and targeted investigations to assess disease severity and allergen identification should be encouraged as these will reduce the burden of both health-care facilities and patients • Availability of safe and effective assessment tools -More practical, user-friendly, and safe pulmonary function techniques like oscillometry should be supported as compared to tedious, more aerosol-generating spirometry [3] • Re-emphasizing adequate drug delivery -Inhalers should be endorsed, whenever possible, over nebulizers to improve drug delivery and reduce aerosolization risk [5] • Disease-modifying therapies -Sublingual and oral routes of immunotherapy should be evaluated and standardized over subcutaneous injections to reduce physician dependence [1] • Educational opportunities -Both community (for symptom recognition and trigger avoidance) and physicians (for specialized training) need to be educated to the latest in the field [1] • Environmental control -Appropriate measures should be adopted to contain pollution such as conversion to electric vehicular transmission and reduction of biomass fuels.…”