Asthma--The Physiological and Clinical Spectrum in Childhood: Respiratory Function Studies in its Assessment

Abstract

Tests of respiratory function based on spirometry have hitherto proved of limited value in the assessment of asthmatic children in the interval phase. In an attempt to provide more information on this subject, respiratory function studies using a body plethysmograph were carried out in 106 asthmatic children aged 13 to 15 years during an asymptomatic period. The children were selected to cover the whole spectrum of asthma in childhood; they were divided into 4 grades on clinical criteria, and the results of the physiological studies compared with the clinical gradings.