Clinical findings associated with abnormal lung function in children aged 3-26 months with recurrent respiratory symptoms

• Published in: Acta Paediatrica 2010-08, Vol.99 (8), p.1175-1179
• Main Authors: Pelkonen, AS, Kotaniemi-Syrjänen, A, Malmström, K, Malmberg, LP, Mäkelä, MJ
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Child, Preschool; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma; cough; Cough - etiology; Dyspnea - etiology; Female; General aspects; Humans; Infant; Male; Medical sciences; Plethysmography, Whole Body; Pneumology; Radiography; Recurrence; Respiratory Function Tests; respiratory sounds; Respiratory Sounds - etiology; Respiratory system : syndromes and miscellaneous diseases; Respiratory Tract Diseases - complications; Respiratory Tract Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Respiratory Tract Diseases - physiopathology; shortness of breath; Skin Tests; wheeze
• ISSN: 0803-5253; 1651-2227
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2010.01790.x

Aim:  To evaluate whether there are any associations between parentally reported symptoms, clinical findings and lung function in young children with recurrent lower respiratory tract symptoms. Methods:  In 2000–2003, 148 children, aged 3–26 months, with recurrent lower respiratory tract symptoms underwent physical examination, investigation of a chest radiograph, whole body plethysmography and skin prick testing to common food and inhalant allergens. Results:  Lung function was considered abnormal (i.e. functional residual capacity z‐score of ≥1.65 and/or specific conductance z‐score of ≤−1.65) in 83 (56%) children. Findings of increased work of breathing (p