Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026
Breath Collection from Children for Disease Biomarker Discovery
Published on: February 14, 2019
Tidal-breathing measurement of exhaled breath temperature (EBT) in schoolchildren
M Barreto1, G Piacentini, L Chiossi
1Pediatric Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital, NESMOS Department, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, "Sapienza" University, Rome, Italy.
Insights
Exhaled breath temperature (EBT) is a reproducible, non-invasive method for assessing airway inflammation in children. While EBT did not differ between symptom groups, inhaled corticosteroid (IC)-treated children showed lower EBT levels.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Non-invasive assessment of airway inflammation is crucial in pediatric respiratory care.
- Exhaled breath temperature (EBT) may indicate inflammatory vasodilation and response to inhaled corticosteroids (ICs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare EBT with other non-invasive measures in schoolchildren.
- To evaluate EBT's relation to respiratory symptoms and IC therapy.
- To assess EBT reproducibility and influencing factors.
Main Methods:
- 298 Italian schoolchildren assessed for tidal-EBT, FE(NO), spirometry, and symptoms.
- Subjects categorized by wheeze, other respiratory symptoms, or no symptoms.
- Comparison between IC-treated and untreated children.
Main Results:
- EBT was similar across symptom groups (wheeze, other symptoms, none).
- IC-treated children had significantly lower EBT than untreated children (P=0.027).
- EBT measurements demonstrated high reproducibility (ICC=0.94) and were influenced by age, weight, FE(NO), and ambient temperature.
Conclusions:
- Tidal-EBT is an easy, reproducible non-invasive tool for pediatric respiratory assessment.
- Symptom misclassification may impact findings on IC therapy effectiveness.
- Further studies should investigate factors influencing EBT in epidemiological research.
Background:
Non-invasive assessment of airway inflammation is particularly useful in children. The exhaled breath temperature (EBT) may reflect inflammatory vasodilation and serve to assess respiratory symptoms and therapy with inhaled corticosteroids (ICs).
Aims:
To compare EBT with other non-invasive measurements in unselected schoolchildren in relation to respiratory symptoms and IC-therapy, as well as to assess reproducibility, and potentially influencing factors.
Methods:
In 298 Italian schoolchildren, we assessed tidal-EBT, FE(NO), spirometry, skin-prick tests, questionnaires on chronic respiratory symptoms, and medication. Subjects were divided as follows: reported wheeze, respiratory symptoms other than wheeze, and without symptoms.
Results:
Subjects with reported wheeze (n = 30) more frequently presented atopy, respiratory symptoms, higher FE(NO), lower lung function than subjects with symptoms other than wheeze (n = 141) and those without symptoms (n = 127), but had a similar EBT. IC-treated children (5 wheeze, 9 respiratory symptoms other than wheeze, 4 without chronic symptoms) had lower median (interquartile range) EBT levels than IC-untreated children (n = 280) [EBT: 31.7 (30.1-32.5) vs. 32.6 (31.4-33.4), P = 0.027]. Duplicate EBT measurements were highly reproducible (ICC = 0.94). In a multiple linear-regression model, EBT was explained by age, weight, duration of EBT measurement, FE(NO), and ambient temperature (r = 0.63, P < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Tidal-EBT measurements are easy to perform, reproducible, though symptom misclassification may affect the results obtained regarding the effect of IC therapy. Factors influencing EBT should be addressed in further epidemiological studies.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Oral
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
01:27Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...
01:13Equipments Used to Measure Body Temperature
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
01:17Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this...