The Importance of the Small Airways in Asthma and COPD

Both the large and small airways play an important role in asthma and COPD^1,2. The small airways account for 98.8% of the total lung volume³.

In this presentation, Dr Chan will talk about Small Airways Disease (SAD) pathophysiology including small airway behaviours and mucus plugging. This section also features data on the prevalence and severity of SAD in a cohort of asthma patients.  

He continues by discussing how clinicians can assess the presence of SAD in their respiratory patients using spirometry, body plethysmography & oscillometry. Specifically, he reviews how oscillometry can predict FEV₁ decline and its use in acute settings. Dr Chan closes by reviewing the clinical approach to SAD & the benefit of precision medicine.

Please also consider watching the on-demand video ‘Small Airways Disease (SAD): Asthma and COPD’ by Emma Rickards who presents on the consequences of SAD in asthma and COPD, management approaches and pharmacological goals.

References

1. Corradi M, et al. Expert Opin Drug Deliv. 2014; 11(9): 1497–1506

2. Usmani OS, et al. Mayo Clin Proc. 2021; 96(9): 2448–2463

3. Hasan A, et al. Lung India. 2021; 38(4): 350–358

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• Dr Rory Chan MBChB PhD

  Consultant Respiratory Physician and Senior Clinical Lecturer

  Read biography
  Dr Rory Chan MBChB PhD

  Consultant Respiratory Physician and Senior Clinical Lecturer NHS Tayside and University of Dundee

  Role and Location
  Consultant Respiratory Physician and Senior Clinical Lecturer at NHS Tayside and University of Dundee.

  Research Interest
  His specialist area of research relates to precision medicine in severe asthma.

  Memberships
  He is also an Editorial Board Member at the journal CHEST.