Respiratory function profiling using non-invasive methods in children aged 7-18 years: a hospital based study from...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Respiratory Physiology

Background:

• Childhood respiratory health is vital for long-term well-being.
• Early lung function impairment can lead to chronic respiratory issues.
• Standard spirometry is often limited in routine pediatric use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate simple bedside respiratory tests as screening tools for ventilatory dysfunction in children.
• To analyze the relationship between respiratory parameters (SBC, BHT, PEFR) and anthropometric measurements (age, height, BMI).

Main Methods:

• An observational study involving 190 children aged 7-18 years.
• Respiratory function assessed using Single Breath Count (SBC), Breath Holding Time (BHT), and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR).
• Statistical analysis of respiratory parameters in relation to age, height, and BMI.

Main Results:

• All measured respiratory parameters (SBC, BHT, PEFR) increased with age.
• PEFR peaked at age 13.
• SBC and BHT showed significant positive associations with PEFR.
• Age and height were significant predictors of PEFR.

Conclusions:

• Breath-holding time and height are significant predictors of PEFR in children.
• Simple bedside respiratory measures (SBC, BHT) are practical adjuncts for pulmonary function assessment in resource-limited settings.