Pulmonary Function in Asymptomatic Asthma.the Children

Abstract

Summary: Peak flow rate (PFR) was determined in 145 and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1.0) in 71 asthmatic children who were clinically well. These two indices of pulmonary function were also determined in an equal number of controls. The values obtained for both asthmatics and controls compared with predicted mean values, using height as the measured variable, showed that 97% and 98.6% respectively, of the controls had PFR and FEV1.0 values above the predicted mean values minus 2 standard devia tions, as against 58% and 44% respectively, of asthmatics (p<0 001; p <0.001, respectively). The mean PFR and FEV1.0 values of 228.0-litres/min and 1.51 litres min respectively for the controls, were higher than 158.9 litres/min and 1.04 litres. respectively, for the asthmatics (p<0.001). There was however, no significant diffe rence between the values obtained and the severity of asthma. It is concluded that a good proportion of asthmatic children have poor pulmonary function during remis sion and this poor function cannot be detected clinically. In order to detect those who may have residual bronchial obstruction even when they are in clinical remission, we recommend that pulmonary function should be performed routinely in all asthmatic children during clinic follow-ups.