How to interpret spirometry in a child with suspected asthma. Issue 6 (25th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brown, Anthony; McNaughten, Benjamin; Russell, Catherine; Watters, Patricia; O'Donoghue, Dara
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 107:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: 435
• Page End: 441
• Publication Date: 2022-08-25
• Subjects: Respiratory Medicine -- Paediatrics -- Adolescent Health -- Child Health; Pediatrics -- Practice -- Periodicals; Children -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2022-324308
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-0585

Abstract

Abstract : Asthma is one of the most common chronic disorders of childhood. The typical symptoms are a result of reversible airway obstruction. There is no 'gold-standard' test to diagnose asthma, but the most commonly used investigation to help with a diagnosis is spirometry. This article outlines some of the technical aspects of spirometry together with how the forced expiration manoeuver and bronchodilator responsiveness testing can be performed and interpreted in a child with suspected asthma.