Small airway dysfunction in bronchiectasis patients with exercise-induced desaturation

This retrospective study investigated whether small airway dysfunction contributes to exercise-induced oxygen desaturation and reduced exercise capacity in bronchiectasis. Researchers analysed 114 bronchiectasis patients using oscillometry, spirometry, and 6-minute walk testing. A Vitalograph Pneumotrac 6800 spirometer was used to measure lung function, with spirometric markers of small airway impairment linked to greater desaturation and poorer exercise performance.