Oscillometry in the diagnosis, assessment, and monitoring of asthma in children and adults

Diagnosing asthma typically relies on clinical history, physical examination, and objective lung function test results. Spirometry, the gold standard for assessing lung function, is universally recommended for the diagnostic, assessment, and monitoring of asthma. It requires maximal respiratory effort that limits cooperation in certain populations and has limitations in detecting small airway dysfunction. Oscillometry requires minimal patient effort, is noninvasive, and provides valuable information on both large and small airways. Recent task force reports have suggested oscillometry as an alternative or a complementary lung function test to spirometry in the management of individuals with asthma. This review explores the scientific evidence and psychometric properties regarding oscillometry in the main purposes served by lung function testing in asthma, namely diagnosis, assessment of control and future risk, as well as longitudinal monitoring, including clinical utility. Furthermore, it addressed challenges and facilitators to implementation and future directions regarding its positioning as lung function testing in individuals with asthma.