Review article
https://doi.org/10.26800/LV-145-supl1-11
Pulmonary function tests in preschool children
Ivana Maloča Vuljanko
; Dječja bolnica Srebrnjak, Zagreb
Giorgie Petković
; Dječja bolnica Srebrnjak, Zagreb
Abstract
Lung function testing in preschool children represents one of the most dynamic and challenging areas of respiratory physiology research and an integral component of clinical monitoring and treatment. The aim of this review article is to provide insight into the method and application of the most common lung function tests in preschool children currently available (spirometry, impulse oscillometry, body plethysmography), as well as potential problems of lung function testing in that age group. Spirometry is the most commonly used lung function test, performed in the pediatric population by standardized procedure. Use of spirometry in preschool age has several
challenges, such as the age of the subject, ensuring the maximum effort during performance, the length of exhalation during the spirometric maneuver, the reliability of the obtained parameters. Measurement of the specific resistance of the airways by body plethysmography as well as impulse oscillometry also provide insight into lung function, and their main advantage is that these tests are performed during tidal breathing and require only minimal cooperation. When choosing a method of lung function assessment, it is important to determine the question of a possible clinical diagnosis and not to base the choice of test on the available equipment. It is also important to apply the appropriate available reference intervals. There is a need for additional studies that will determine the role of
individual tests, standardize the procedure and determine reference values, which would facilitate the monitoring of patients, enable the comparison of different methods in order to obtain a more complete clinical picture.
Keywords
TESTOVI PLUĆNE FUNKCIJE; PREDŠKOLSKA DOB; SPIROMETRIJA
Hrčak ID:
300455
URI
Publication date:
17.4.2023.
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