Lung Function Tests

Spirometry

Spirometry refers to a lung function test done in children to assess airway obstruction. Asthma and cystic fibrosis are examples of lung diseases that cause airway obstruction in children. Spirometry can also be used to assess restrictive lung diseases like kyphoscoliosis and muscular dystrophy.

Co-operative children from the age of 5 years can successfully perform spirometry. After first taking a deep breath to total lung capacity the child blows out as hard and fast as possible and then empties his lungs completely. By observing the shape of the curve on the flow volume loop and checking the measurements the doctor can then evaluate what type of disease the child has. Often a bronchodilator like salbutamol is given after the first series of tests to see if there is improvement after the bronchodilator. A positive bronchodilator response test is highly suggestive of asthma.

An Exercise Challenge Test

When the diagnosis of asthma is uncertain an exercise challenge test becomes more important. Young children need to first exercise for 4-6 minutes and then they need to reach their target heart rate within 4 minutes. Spirometry is then done at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 minute intervals post exercise. A fall in FeV1 of 15% is indicative of exercise induced bronchoconstriction and suggestive of asthma.

Impulse Oscillometry

In children younger than 5 years old spirometry often cannot be reliably performed. In this instance an impulse oscillometry test can be performed as it requires less effort and co-operation from the young child than spirometry.

The technique involves sending multiple sound waves generated by a computer-driven loudspeaker to the lungs during normal tidal breathing. Respiratory resistance and respiratory reactance is then measured. These parameters provide information about the mechanical properties of the airway and parenchyma.

Impulse oscillometry has a greater sensitivity to detect peripheral airway obstruction than spirometry. Using impulse oscillometry, the pulmonologist can tell if the airway obstruction is in the large airways or small airways. Studies have shown that monitoring small airway function by impulse oscillometry can be useful in identifying children who are at risk of losing asthma control.