All issues > Volume 50(5); 2007

Review Article

Korean J Pediatr. 2007;50(5):422-429. Published online May 15, 2007.

Lung function tests in preschool children

Yong-Mean YM Park¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

Correspondence Yong-Mean YM Park ,Email: ckopym@kornet.net

Abstract

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.

Keywords :Lung function test, Preschool children