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Pre- and post-bronchodilator results in pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are crucial for assessing reversibility of airway obstruction. By comparing the measurements of lung function before and after the administration of a bronchodilator, clinicians can evaluate how much the medication has improved airflow in the lungs. A significant increase in specific airflow metrics, such as FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) or FVC (forced vital capacity), suggests that the patient has reversible airway obstruction, which is often seen in conditions like asthma. This information can guide treatment decisions and provide insights into the underlying pathology of the patient's respiratory condition.

The role of bronchodilators is particularly important in distinguishing between obstructive and restrictive lung diseases; in obstructive diseases, there is typically a significant response to bronchodilators, indicating that the obstruction can be mitigated with appropriate treatment. Thus, the pre- and post-bronchodilator results provide a direct measure of the effectiveness of bronchodilator therapy and help determine the best management strategy for respiratory conditions.