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Lung Function Tests in Infants and Children

Kana Ram Jat1, Sheetal Agarwal2,3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India. drkanaram@gmail.com.

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|June 1, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Lung function tests offer objective insights into pediatric lung health, aiding diagnosis and monitoring from infancy through adolescence. Proper interpretation of spirometry, forced oscillation technique (FOT), and other pulmonary function tests (PFTs) is crucial for effective treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Respiratory Physiology

Background:

  • Lung function testing is vital for diagnosing and monitoring pediatric lung diseases.
  • Technological advancements enable objective assessment of lung health across all age groups, from neonates to adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current lung function tests applicable to infants and children.
  • To highlight the diagnostic and monitoring capabilities of various pulmonary function tests (PFTs).

Main Methods:

  • Narrative review of available literature on pediatric lung function testing.
  • Discussion of spirometry, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), forced oscillation technique (FOT)/impulse oscillometry (IOS), infant PFT equipment, diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), and lung volume assessment techniques.

Main Results:

  • Spirometry and PEFR are standard for children over six, diagnosing obstructive and restrictive diseases.
  • FOT/IOS are feasible in preschool children, primarily for asthma assessment.
  • Infant PFT equipment, DLCO, and lung volume techniques (body plethysmography, multiple washout) offer further diagnostic capabilities.

Conclusions:

  • Lung function tests are essential for pediatric respiratory care, requiring expertise for accurate performance and interpretation.
  • Correct interpretation and clinical correlation of PFT results are paramount for optimal patient outcomes.

Keywords:
Diffusion capacityImpulse oscillometryInfant PFTMultiple wash outPediatricsPulmonary function testsSpirometry

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