Pulmonary function testing in bronchiectasis typically shows which pattern?

Pulmonary function testing in bronchiectasis typically shows which pattern?

• A. Obstructive
• B. Restrictive
• C. Normal
• D. Mixed

Answer: (A)

Bronchiectasis primarily causes airflow limitation from airway dilation, mucus plugging, and chronic inflammation, especially during expiration. This leads to an obstructive pattern on pulmonary function testing. You’d see a reduced FEV1 with a decreased FEV1/FVC ratio, and lung volumes often rise due to air trapping (increased TLC and RV). Diffusion capacity may be normal or reduced in more advanced disease. A restrictive pattern isn’t typical because the issue is in the airways, not primarily in the lung parenchyma. So the expected PFT pattern is obstructive.

Bronchiectasis primarily causes airflow limitation from airway dilation, mucus plugging, and chronic inflammation, especially during expiration. This leads to an obstructive pattern on pulmonary function testing. You’d see a reduced FEV1 with a decreased FEV1/FVC ratio, and lung volumes often rise due to air trapping (increased TLC and RV). Diffusion capacity may be normal or reduced in more advanced disease. A restrictive pattern isn’t typical because the issue is in the airways, not primarily in the lung parenchyma. So the expected PFT pattern is obstructive.