title: Paediatric spirometry guideline of the South African Thoracic Society: Part 1.
abstract: Spirometry forms an important component in the diagnosis and management of pulmonary diseases in children. In the paediatric setting, there are different challenges in terms of performance and interpretation of good quality and reliable tests. An awareness of the physiological and developmental aspects that exist in children is necessary to improve the quality and reliability of spirometry. We reviewed the recommendations on the technical aspects of performing spirometry in children, from the available guidelines and clinical trials. The focus was on the indications, methods and the interpretation of lung function tests in children &lt;12 years of age. Reliable lung function testing can be performed in children, but an awareness of the limitations, the use of incentives and a dedicated lung function technologist are necessary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Steve Biko Academic Hospital and University of Pretoria, South Africa. refiloe.masekela@up.ac.za.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Masekela
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Verwey
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Halkas
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Jeena
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D018579:Patient Selection; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013019:South Africa; D013147:Spirometry