Lung Function Tests for Children

Explore our website to discover how we can meet your lung health needs.

Ages 2+

The Importance of Lung Function Testing in Children:

Lung function testing in children (Airway Oscillometry Testing) is crucial for early detection and management of respiratory conditions like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Early diagnosis allows for timely intervention, improving the child’s quality of life. These tests also help monitor disease progression, enabling adjustments to treatment plans as needed. Additionally, they can identify issues before symptoms arise, preventing severe conditions. Overall, child lung function tests ensure effective treatment and better health outcomes for children with respiratory issues.

We use the latest “tremoflo C-100” airway oscillometry system that is easy for children to use. The device requires regular breathing (no forced exhalation required) and can be completed in just a few minutes.

Airway oscillometry testing for children is an in-office device that can painlessly assess peripheral airway impairment even in very young children and can detect airway obstruction earlier than using spirometry testing methods. Galant et al., AAAAI 2017

Studies consistently demonstrate an increasing asthma prevalence in both rural and urban areas across African countries. Moreover, children in African nations with asthma are reported to experience more severe symptoms compared to those in high-income countries. This severity may be attributed to factors such as lack of diagnosis, limited access to healthcare, affordability of treatment, environmental irritants, genetic predisposition to more severe disease, or a combination of these factors.

'The small airways are frequently involved early in the course of [asthma and COPD] diseases, with significant pathology demonstrable often before the onset of symptoms or changes in spirometry and imaging'

McNulty and Usamni, ECRJ 2014

'Peripheral airway impairment may be clincally relevant at all levels of asthma severity and control.'

Galant et al., AAAAI 2017

Airway Oscillometry Testing for Children:

What is Airway Oscillometry Testing for Children?

Airway oscillometry testing is a non-invasive method for evaluating lung function, capable of detecting airway obstruction and bronchial hyperresponsiveness by measuring the mechanical properties of the lungs and airways. Suitable for children starting at age 3, this test assesses the ease of airflow through the airways and identifies any lung function abnormalities. It is especially useful for diagnosing and monitoring respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other obstructive lung diseases.

Why is Airway Oscillometry Testing Necessary for Children?

Airway oscillometry testing is necessary for several reasons:

Diagnosis: It helps healthcare providers diagnose respiratory conditions by providing detailed information about lung function and airway resistance.
Monitoring: For individuals with known respiratory conditions, airway oscillometry testing allows for regular monitoring of lung function to assess disease progression and treatment effectiveness.
Assessment of Airway Reactivity: This test can evaluate how responsive the airways are to different stimuli, which is crucial for diagnosing conditions like asthma and determining appropriate treatment strategies.

How is Airway Oscillometry Testing Performed on Children?

During airway oscillometry testing:

Preparation: You will be comfortably seated and fitted with a mouthpiece and nose clip.
Testing: You will breathe normally into the mouthpiece while the equipment measures the pressure and flow of air in your lungs.
Analysis: The data collected is analysed to assess airway resistance, reactance, and other parameters related to lung function.
Interpretation: The results are interpreted by a healthcare provider to determine any abnormalities in lung function and assist in diagnosis and treatment planning.

Airway oscillometry testing is safe, well-tolerated, and does not require special breathing manoeuvres, making it suitable for individuals of all ages, including children and those with severe respiratory conditions.