Pulmonary Function Tests Of Asymptomatic Asthmatic Children.

Abstract

Asthma is the disease of small airways, while large airways become obstructed in addition to small airways during an attack. This study was aimed at testing asymptomatic asthmatic subjects by determination of large and small airway function. Forty symptom free asthmatic children and 40 healthy school children were evaluated for their pulmonary functions. The flow-volume data showed statistically significantly (P<0.05) reduced MMEF (maximum mid-expiratory flow) and MEF50 (maximum expiratory flow at 50% of forced vital-capacity). In asthmatic children, indicating small airway obstruction. FRC (functional residual capacity) was found higher than healthy children, in asthmatics (P<0.05) while arterial blood gases were normal in both the groups. We conclude that small airway obstruction may persist in asthmatic children during asymptomatic period. Flow-volume curves are found to be a sensitive measurement of bronchial obstruction during the symptom-free period.