Follow-up studies of COVID-19 patients have found lung function impairment up to six months after initial infection, but small airway function has not previously been studied. Patients (n = 20) hospitalised for a severe SARS-CoV-2 infection underwent spirometry, impulse oscillometry, and multiple measurements of alveolar nitric oxide three to six months after acute infection. None of the patients had small airway obstruction, nor increased nitric oxide concentration in the alveolar level. None of the patients had a reduced FEV1/FVC or significant bronchodilator responses in IOS or spirometry. In conclusion, we found no evidence of inflammation or dysfunction in the small airways.

中文翻译：

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芬兰 COVID-19 幸存者的小气道功能

对 COVID-19 患者的随访研究发现，最初感染后长达 6 个月的肺功能受损，但之前尚未研究过小气道功能。因严重 SARS-CoV-2 感染住院的患者（n = 20）在急性感染后三到六个月接受了肺活量测定法、脉冲示波法和多次肺泡一氧化氮测量。没有患者有小气道阻塞，也没有肺泡水平的一氧化氮浓度增加。在 IOS 或肺活量测定中，没有患者出现 FEV1/FVC 降低或显着的支气管扩张剂反应。总之，我们没有发现小气道炎症或功能障碍的证据。