Asymptomatic asthma patients may show which of the following PFT findings?

• A. Abnormal lung function
• B. Normal lung function
• C. Restrictive pattern
• D. Mixed obstructive-restrictive pattern

Answer: (B)

In patients with asymptomatic asthma, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) typically reveal normal lung function. This is particularly true between episodes of asthma exacerbation when the airways are not constricted, and there are no acute symptoms. These patients can exhibit normal results because their airways can function adequately under resting conditions, reflecting a typical respiratory pattern without obstruction.

While asthma can lead to variable airflow obstruction, this variability often becomes apparent during bronchoprovocation challenges or when symptoms are present. Many asymptomatic patients may not have any detectable airflow limitation during routine testing, hence they may show normal spirometry results during these periods. It is pertinent to understand that their lung function can fluctuate, leading to abnormal results during periods of symptomatic asthma, illustrating the nature of the disease as one that can show episodes of reversible airway obstruction rather than a continuous state of impairment.

In this context, the other choices do not accurately represent typical findings for asymptomatic asthma patients. Abnormal lung function would suggest that there is a measurable obstruction or limitation, which is not the case in otherwise healthy asymptomatic individuals. A restrictive pattern would indicate a reduction in lung volumes rather than the characteristic findings seen with asthma, which is primarily obstructive in nature. The mixed obstructive-restrict