Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

Effects of Surgical Masks on Cardiopulmonary Function in Healthy Subjects
06:57

Effects of Surgical Masks on Cardiopulmonary Function in Healthy Subjects

Published on: February 12, 2021

Spirometry testing in a population of Italian children: age and gender differences

Marina Bianchi1, Antonio Clavenna, Marco Sequi

  • 1Laboratory for Mother and Child Health, Department of Public Health, Mario Negri Pharmacological Research Institute, via G. La Masa, 19, 20156 Milan, Italy. marina.bianchi@marionegri.it

Respiratory Medicine
|July 4, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Only 30% of Italian asthmatic children underwent spirometry testing in 2008, with boys more likely to be tested than girls. This indicates poor adherence to asthma monitoring guidelines, particularly for girls who face higher risks for severe adult disease.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Public Health
  • Healthcare Management

Background:

  • Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in children, requiring regular monitoring for effective management.
  • Spirometry is a crucial diagnostic tool for assessing asthma severity and guiding treatment decisions.
  • Adherence to clinical guidelines for childhood asthma care can vary significantly.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the proportion of asthmatic children (6-17 years) who underwent spirometry in the Lombardy Region, Italy, during 2008.
  • To identify sociodemographic factors influencing the likelihood of asthmatic children receiving spirometry testing.
  • To assess the compliance with asthma monitoring guidelines in a large pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of administrative prescription databases in the Lombardy Region for 2008.
  • Identification of 1,047,241 children aged 6-17 years, with asthmatic subjects identified using a validated strategy.
  • Calculation of spirometry claim rates and evaluation of associated factors using multivariate analysis.

Main Results:

  • A total of 40,528 (3.9%) asthmatic children were identified.
  • Only 30% of identified asthmatic children underwent at least one spirometry test in 2008.
  • Spirometry rates varied by local health unit (22-45%) and anti-asthmatic medication use (26-35%). Boys had a higher probability of undergoing spirometry than girls (OR=2.3).

Conclusions:

  • A significant underutilization of spirometry testing was observed in asthmatic children, indicating suboptimal asthma care.
  • Lower rates of spirometry testing, particularly in girls, raise concerns about long-term health outcomes, as girls are at higher risk for severe adult asthma.
  • Educational interventions are recommended to improve spirometry use in primary care settings for better childhood asthma management.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns08:34

Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns

Published on: September 16, 2019

Employing the Forced Oscillation Technique for the Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics in Adults06:11

Employing the Forced Oscillation Technique for the Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics in Adults

Published on: February 9, 2022

Related Concept Videos

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 Volumes and Capacities I01:26

Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I

Assessing the respiratory rate and rhythm for a complete minute is crucial for evaluating the breathing pattern. Even a minor increase in the patient's average respiratory rate, by as little as three to five breaths per minute, is an early and vital indicator of respiratory distress. Patients with a respiratory rate exceeding twenty-four breaths per minute require close monitoring to determine the physiological alterations. This careful observation is essential for prompt recognition and...
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation01:19

Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation

Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Respiratory Volumes and Capacities01:22

Respiratory Volumes and Capacities

The respiratory system is responsible for the intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide from the body. Respiratory volumes describe the volume of air in the lungs at different phases of the respiratory cycle. Tidal volume is the air breathed in and out during normal, quiet breathing. Inspiratory reserve volume is the air that can be forcefully inspired beyond the tidal volume. In contrast, expiratory reserve volume refers to the air that can be expelled from the lungs after a normal...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection01:27

Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection

Physical assessment of the respiratory tract through inspection is a crucial step in understanding the patient's respiratory health. It provides insights into the functioning of the respiratory system, the musculoskeletal structure, and even the patient's nutritional status. This comprehensive approach involves observing several vital aspects: chest configuration, breathing patterns, respiratory rates, skin color, and use of accessory muscles.
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration can...
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