| Lung function tests in preschool children |
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Yong-Mean Park |
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Department of Pediatrics, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea |
| 5세 미만의 폐기능 검사 |
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박용민 |
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건국대학교 의학전문대학원 소아과학교실 |
Correspondence:
Yong-Mean Park, Email: ckopym@kornet.net
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| Abstract |
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Measurement of lung function is an integral component of respiratory physiology and of clinical assessment of lung diseases in school age children and adults. Pulmonary function test of infants and children under the age of 2 years have now been standardised and are being used both in research and as an adjunct to clinical management. By contrast, until recegntly, children of preschool age, i.e. between 2-6 years represented a major challenge for pulmonary function test assessment, this particular period commonly being referred to as the 'dark ages' of Pediatric Pulmonology. Measurement of lung function in preschool-aged children is now feasible. However, much work remains to be done in standardizing how these tests are performed, and in understanding the most appropriate role for the various tests in the study of growth and development of the respiratory system and in the clinical management of children in this age group. As the field develops and the knowledge of respiratory physiology in this age group expands, investigation of different and more appropriate algorithm use in preschool children, together with development of more appropriate reference data, may result in improved disease discrimination. |
| Key Words:
Lung function test, Preschool children |
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