Résumé
Asthmatic patients typically show obstructive pattern on spirometry; with positive response to bronchodilators. However, there is paucity of data regarding presentation of obese patients with non-obstructive patterns of spirometry. A sample of 295 known asthmatic patients [74% over-weights or obese and 26% nonobese] was selected from those attending respiratory clinic of Yastabshiron Hospital for follow up. A portable spirometer [All flow, Clement Clarke International, UK] was used for measurement of FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio and PEF for each patient. Measurements were carried out on presentation and then 15 minutes following inhalation of 0.5 mg salbutamol using a spacer. Typical obstructive pattern was found in only 17.4% of obese patients, normal pattern in 18.3%, restrictive in 45.9% and combined pattern in 18.3%. The relation between obesity and patterns of spirometry was found to be statistically insignificant [P= 0.808]. Significant proportions of all patterns showed positive reversibility tests [P= 0.000]. It is concluded that all patterns of spirometry are expected in obese patients with mild to moderate asthma. Reversibility tests are highly significant among asthmatic patients, irrespective to their spirometric pattern