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Spirometric changes in normal children with upper respiratory infections
Insights
Common upper respiratory infections temporarily reduce lung function in children. This study monitored 55 children, finding decreased spirometry during illness, suggesting subclinical lower respiratory tract involvement.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Child Health
Background:
- Uncomplicated upper respiratory infections (URIs) are known to cause pulmonary function abnormalities in adults.
- URIs are more frequent in children, necessitating investigation into their impact on pediatric lung function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the effects of URIs on lung function in children.
- To determine if URIs lead to transient pulmonary function abnormalities in pediatric subjects.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study observed 55 children (2.5-11 years) for 2 years.
- Spirometry and lung volume studies were performed every 3 months, during URIs, and 4 weeks post-illness.
- Data were analyzed using linear regression, considering age, sex, and clinical status (URI vs. well).
Main Results:
- All analyzed spirometric parameters, including forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second, showed decreased values during URIs.
- These reductions were observed across various spirometric measures, indicating widespread impact.
Conclusions:
- Childhood URIs are associated with temporary decreases in lung function parameters.
- The findings suggest subclinical lower respiratory tract involvement during URIs in children, even without overt lower airway or alveolar disease symptoms.
Abstract:
Recent evidence that certain uncomplicated upper respiratory infections induce pulmonary function abnormalities in adults prompted a prospective study in children, in whom such infections occur more frequently. In a longitudinal study, 55 children 2.5 to 11 years of age were observed for a mean duration of 2 years. Spirometry and lung volume studies were obtained routinely every 3 months, during each upper respiratory infection, and 4 weeks after illnes, providing data for 617 "well" and 237 "illness" observations. After grouping of data by sex and age (less than 84 of greater than 84 months), each spirometric parameter was analyzed using linear regression with individual identification, height, and clinical status (normal versus upper respiratory illness) as independent variables. Adjusted mean values of forced vital capacity, 1-sec forced expiratory volume, peak expiratory flow, maximal mid-expiratory flow, and expiratory flow at 50 per cent of the forced vital capacity all decreased during upper respiratory illness. The data suggest that lower respiratory tract involvement without signs or symptoms of lower airway or alveolar disease occurs with upper respiratory illnesses of varied etiologic origin in childhood.