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Lung function in preschool children: applications in clinical and epidemiological research

Sooky Lum1

  • 1Portex Unit, Respiratory Physiology, UCL, Institute of Child Health, London, UK. s.lum@ich.ucl.ac.uk

Paediatric Respiratory Reviews
|June 27, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Pulmonary function tests are now feasible for preschoolers, aiding in the diagnosis of lung diseases like asthma. Future research can explore early life factors and therapeutic responses.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Respiratory Physiology

Background:

  • Pulmonary function testing (PFT) in preschool children has seen significant advancements.
  • Assessing lung function in young children is crucial for early disease detection and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of the applications of various PFTs in preschool children.
  • To highlight the feasibility and utility of PFTs in identifying diminished lung function in pediatric lung diseases.
  • To discuss future directions for PFTs in early life respiratory health research.

Main Methods:

  • Review of established and emerging pulmonary function tests.
  • Includes multiple inert gas washout, plethysmography, spirometry, interrupter resistance, and impulse oscillometry.
  • Focus on feasibility and diagnostic capabilities in preschool children.

Main Results:

  • Several PFTs are feasible and effective in preschool children.
  • These tests can identify diminished lung function in conditions like asthma and cystic fibrosis.
  • The study provides an overview of their application in clinical and epidemiological research.

Conclusions:

  • Pulmonary function tests are valuable tools for assessing respiratory health in preschool children.
  • Future applications may include evaluating effects of preterm birth, growth retardation, and smoking.
  • These tests can guide therapeutic interventions and strengthen the foundation for preventing and treating early-life respiratory diseases.

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