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Lung function and bronchodilator response in 4-year-old children with different wheezing phenotypes

E Oostveen1, S Dom, K Desager

  • 1Dept of Pulmonary Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium. Ellie.Oostveen@uza.be

The European Respiratory Journal
|November 21, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Persistent wheeze in young children is linked to poorer lung function and increased airway responsiveness. This suggests higher bronchomotor tone, potentially predicting asthma development.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Respiratory Medicine
  • Childhood Asthma Research

Background:

  • Persistent wheeze is a common early childhood condition that may lead to asthma.
  • The relationship between lung function (pre- and post-bronchodilator) and wheezing phenotypes in preschoolers is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between lung function measurements and wheezing phenotypes in 4-year-old children.
  • To determine if bronchodilator response differs among wheezing phenotypes in preschool-aged children.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective birth cohort study involving lung function measurements using the forced oscillation technique.
  • Wheezing phenotype assessment via biennial questionnaires.
  • Analysis of baseline respiratory impedance and bronchodilator response in 325 children.

Main Results:

  • Children with early transient or persistent wheeze had higher baseline resistance compared to non-wheezers.
  • Bronchodilation reduced resistance by an average of 22%, with a greater decrease observed in persistent wheezers.
  • Persistent wheezers exhibited poorer baseline lung function and a greater bronchodilator response, indicating higher bronchomotor tone.

Conclusions:

  • Preschoolers with persistent wheeze show impaired lung function and heightened airway responsiveness.
  • These findings suggest increased bronchomotor tone in persistent wheezers, potentially serving as an early indicator for asthma development.

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