Persistent lung hyperinflation in apparently asymptomatic asthmatic children.
Serial measurements of functional residual capacity (FRC) by helium gas dilution were made in young asthmatic children over a 3 month period. Eight children were recruited during hospitalization for an acute asthma attack and eleven during routine outpatient attendances. Both groups of children had FRC's greater than 120% of that predicted for height at recruitment. Although the children denied symptoms throughout the three month follow-up period the majority remained hyperinflated. These results demonstrate a striking difference between objective and subjective assessment of respiratory function in young children. The significance of this persistent abnormality and its relationship to other lung function indices needs urgent investigation.
Pool
J B
JB
Department of Child Health, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, U.K.
Greenough
A
A
Gleeson
J G
JG
Price
J F
JF
D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005652:Functional Residual Capacity; D006801:Humans