Patterns of spirometry findings among patients with suspected lower airway obstruction in a tertiary hospital, South-South, Nigeria

Objectives: The respiratory system consists of the upper airway and the lower airway. Although, the airway sub-serves several  functions, the most important functions of the airway are ventilation and gas exchange. Lower airway obstruction by diseases such as Asthma and COPD may impair airway function. Spirometry is a useful tool in the assessment of airway function. We aim to describe the observed patterns of spirometry findings among patients with suspected lower airway obstruction at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), Okolobiri, South-South Nigeria. Methods: Across-sectional study. Records of spirometry values were used to assess spirometry patterns. IBM SPSS software was used to analyze data. Results: Spirometry records of a total 100 patients were analysed. Mean age was 48.90 ± 19.77 years. There were 59% males and 41% of females. Spirometry patterns were: normal-59%; obstructive-39%; restrictive-1%; mixed-1%. Conclusion: Spirometry is a useful non-invasive tool in the diagnosis of respiratory diseases, and recommended for patient evaluation in every tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Keywords: Spirometry pattern, airway obstruction, asthma, COP