Nonsmoking patients with asbestosis typically have spirometric changes indicative of small airway disease and restrictive defects; smokers with asbestosis may have a combined obstructive/restrictive pattern. Small airway disease is a common early finding and is reflected in a 25% to 74% reduction of forced expiratory flow rates. This change may reflect early fibrosis in the peribronchiolar areas or inflammatory changes. Restrictive defects are observed as a reduction in forced vital capacity. Because such reduction may also occur in obstructive airway disease, an apparent combined pattern of restrictive and obstructive disease should be followed up with further pulmonary studies including carbon monoxide diffusion capacity and static lung volumes. True restrictive disease generally manfests as decrease In total lung capacity with normal or residual volume which can be determined using both the plethysmographic and helium dilution methods.
- Small airway diseases and restrictive defects are typical in nonsmoking patients with asbestosis; combined obstructive/restrictive pattern is more typical in smokers.
The Thomas Jefferson University web site, its contents and programs, is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor is it intended to create any physician-patient relationship. Please remember that this information should not substitute for a visit or a consultation with a health care provider. The views or opinions expressed in the resources provided do not necessarily reflect those of Thomas Jefferson University, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, or the Jefferson Health System or staff.