Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Intraperitoneal Glucose Tolerance Test, Measurement of Lung Function, and Fixation of the Lung to Study the Impact of Obesity and Impaired Metabolism on Pulmonary Outcomes
08:30

Intraperitoneal Glucose Tolerance Test, Measurement of Lung Function, and Fixation of the Lung to Study the Impact of Obesity and Impaired Metabolism on Pulmonary Outcomes

Published on: March 15, 2018

Airway inflammatory and spirometric measurements in obese children

Joyce S W Chow1, Amelia S M Leung, Wincy W S Li

  • 1The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Medical Journal = Xianggang Yi Xue Za Zhi
|October 6, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity is linked to increased airway inflammation, particularly in non-asthmatic children. Obesity indicators correlated with lung function measures in children without asthma, but not in those with asthma.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Obesity Research

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
  • Obesity is associated with systemic inflammation, but its impact on pediatric airway inflammation is less understood.
  • Understanding these associations is crucial for managing respiratory health in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between obesity, airway inflammation, and lung function in children.
  • To determine if obesity influences spirometric parameters and exhaled nitric oxide levels.
  • To explore these associations in both asthmatic and non-asthmatic children.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional, observational study conducted in Hong Kong paediatric clinics.
  • Recruited Chinese children aged 6-18 years, defining obesity as ≥120% of median weight-for-height.
  • Assessed airway inflammation via exhaled nitric oxide (eNO), and lung function using spirometry (FEV1, FVC) and peak expiratory flow.

Main Results:

  • Obese and/or asthmatic children showed significantly higher exhaled nitric oxide concentrations compared to controls.
  • In non-asthmatic children, higher weight-for-height z-scores correlated with increased eNO and altered spirometry (FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio).
  • These correlations between obesity indicators and airway inflammation/lung function were not observed in asthmatic children.

Conclusions:

  • Obesity is associated with increased airway inflammation (elevated eNO) in non-asthmatic children.
  • Weight-for-height z-score is a significant predictor of airway inflammation and lung function in children without asthma.
  • Concomitant obesity does not appear to modify airway inflammation in children with asthma, suggesting distinct pathophysiological mechanisms.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting14:49

Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting

Published on: April 8, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies01:27

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies

Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic 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...
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-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
Pulmonary Function Tests01:25

Pulmonary Function Tests

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
Respiratory Volumes01:15

Respiratory Volumes

Respiratory volumes are crucial metrics, meticulously measured to quantify the air exchanged in and out of the lungs during various phases of the breathing cycle. These precise measurements are vital for assessing lung function, diagnosing respiratory conditions, and monitoring overall respiratory health. Each parameter provides specific insights into the mechanics of breathing and the functional capacity of the lungs.
Tidal Volume (TV) Tidal volume (TV) is the air inhaled or exhaled in a...
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes: