Related Experiment Videos
Analysis of breathing pattern in children with asthma
T Tanaka1, T Shimazaki, I Kusakawa
1Department of Pediatrics, Hachioji Medical Center, Tokyo Medical College, Japan.
Acta Paediatrica Japonica : Overseas Edition
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Children with asthma exhibit altered breathing patterns during attacks, including increased respiratory rate and a shift towards thoracic breathing. These breathing changes normalize as asthma symptoms improve.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition affecting children.
- Breathing pattern abnormalities are common in pediatric asthma.
- Understanding these patterns aids in diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific breathing patterns in children with mild to moderate asthma.
- To compare respiratory parameters during asthma attacks versus periods between attacks.
Main Methods:
- Respiratory inductive plethysmography was used to monitor breathing.
- 31 children (aged 6-15) with mild to moderate asthma participated.
- Data collected during asthma attacks and symptom-free periods.
Main Results:
- Significantly increased respiratory rate during asthma attacks (25.5/min) compared to between attacks (18.4/min).
- Increased mean inspiratory flow (VT/TI) during attacks.
- A shift from a thoracic breathing pattern during attacks to an abdominal pattern upon improvement.
Conclusions:
- Asthma attacks in children are characterized by tachypnea and altered breathing mechanics.
- The breathing pattern shifts from thoracic to abdominal as asthma symptoms resolve.
- Respiratory inductive plethysmography is a valuable tool for assessing pediatric asthma-related breathing changes.