Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Breath Collection from Children for Disease Biomarker Discovery
06:09

Breath Collection from Children for Disease Biomarker Discovery

Published on: February 14, 2019

Exhaled carbon monoxide levels in preschool-age children with episodic asthma

Yoichiro Ohara1, Takahiro Ohara, Takashi Ohrui

  • 1Ohara Children's Clinic, Fukushima, Japan. znthstay@zd5.so-net.ne.jp

Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
|November 26, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) levels are significantly higher in preschool children during asthma attacks. Measuring eCO with a new system aids in asthma recognition in young children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Biomarkers
  • Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • The concentration of exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) in young children with stable asthma and during acute asthma attacks is not well-established.
  • Asthma diagnosis in preschool-aged children presents unique challenges due to difficulties in objective assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) levels in preschool children with stable asthma, during asthma attacks, with upper respiratory infections (URI), and in healthy children.
  • To evaluate the utility of eCO measurement as a diagnostic tool for asthma in young children.

Main Methods:

  • A novel sampling bag was developed for collecting exhaled air from preschool children (ages 3-6).
  • A total of 257 children were studied: 111 with asthma (43 in mild attack, 68 asymptomatic), 99 with URI, and 47 healthy controls.

Main Results:

  • eCO levels were significantly higher in children experiencing asthma attacks (2.7 ± 0.3 p.p.m.) compared to asymptomatic asthmatics (0.5 ± 0.1 p.p.m.), URI patients (0.8 ± 0.1 p.p.m.), and healthy children (0.4 ± 0.1 p.p.m.).
  • Multivariate regression confirmed eCO elevation during asthma attacks, independent of age and gender.
  • In asthmatic children, eCO levels decreased significantly after treatment (2.9 ± 0.4 p.p.m. before vs. 0.6 ± 0.1 p.p.m. after therapy).

Conclusions:

  • Measurement of exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) using a novel collection system is a valuable tool for recognizing asthma in preschool children.
  • eCO levels can help differentiate asthma exacerbations from other respiratory conditions in young children.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting14:49

Conducting Respiratory Oscillometry in an Outpatient Setting

Published on: April 8, 2022

Generation of a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model in Mice by Repeated Ozone Exposure08:17

Generation of a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Model in Mice by Repeated Ozone Exposure

Published on: August 25, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
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
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
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:
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
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-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...