Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 5, 2010
Lung function and short-term outcome in young asthmatic children
1Dept of Pediatrics 5003, National University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
The European Respiratory Journal
|December 22, 1999
Summary
Many young children with stable asthma show impaired lung function, but this does not predict ongoing symptoms. Early lung function in pediatric asthma does not appear to be a risk factor for symptom persistence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Asthma Research
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in children.
- Early identification and management of pediatric asthma are crucial for long-term outcomes.
- Understanding lung function in young asthmatic children is essential for predicting disease trajectory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate lung function in stable asthmatic children aged 2-5 years.
- To analyze the long-term outcome based on antiasthmatic treatment and symptom presence.
- To determine if impaired lung function at diagnosis predicts persistent asthma symptoms.
Main Methods:
- 110 children (mean age 3.8 years) with stable asthma underwent lung function tests.
- Techniques included the interruptor technique (Rint) and whole body plethysmography (sRaw, Rrs,5, Xrs,5).
- Outcomes were assessed after 1.6-4.5 years, correlating with initial lung function and treatment.
Main Results:
- Impaired lung function was detected in 44% (Rint), 14% (sRaw), 11% (Xrs,5), and 7.5% (Rrs,5).
- No significant difference in lung function between groups treated with inhaled steroids versus beta2-agonists.
- Initial lung function did not predict outcomes; 58-59% remained on treatment, and 40-49% had current symptoms at follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Impaired lung function is common in young, stable asthmatic children.
- Pediatric asthma patients often exhibit abnormal lung function even when stable.
- Lung function impairment in early childhood asthma does not appear to be a risk factor for persistent symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Classification of Asthma
01:29Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract
The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more like...
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...