الفهرس 
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Abstract
Background: Spirometry is the most commonly used pulmonary function test to measure forced expiratory flow rates and volumes and is useful in the evaluation of patients with respiratory symptoms (eg, dyspnea, cough, wheeze) or risk factors (eg, smoking, occupational exposures, family history). Spirometry is typically used to detect, confirm, and monitor obstructive airway diseases (eg, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD])
Aim of the work: To assess use of spirometry as an objective tool in diagnosis and management of patients treated of obstructive lung diseases (Asthma and COPD)
Patients and methods: The study was done on 100 patients who are previously diagnosed as COPD or asthmatic patients and was recruited from outpatient clinic at Abbasia chest hospital. Patients were subjected to: history taking and physical examination, Chest x-ray, pre and post bronchodilator Spirometry.
Results: 100 patients previously diagnosed as COPD or asthma clinically or with previous spirometry were included in the study and were subjected to spirometry .We found that only 4% of patients were subjected to previous spirometry, while rest of patients were diagnosed clinically. After new spirometry was performed to all patients, there was significant difference between provisional and final diagnosis. History taking from patients revealed poor control and management of their chronic respiratory symptoms according to CAT, ACT and mMRC of every patient.
Conclusion: There is underutilization of spirometry in our practice for diagnosis and follow up COPD and bronchial asthma patients so it is recommended that spirometry should be done to any patient presented with chronic respiratory symptoms (dyspnea, cough, sputum production) and also should be used to follow up patients already diagnosed with COPD or bronchial asthma for accurate management.
.Key words: Spirometry, COPD, Bronchial asthma.