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Pulmonary Function Testing in Children with the Airflometer
Author(s) -
Lowdon Brian J.,
Pateman Neil A.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
journal of school health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.851
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1746-1561
pISSN - 0022-4391
DOI - 10.1111/j.1746-1561.1984.tb08755.x
Subject(s) - vital capacity , pulmonary function testing , lung function , medicine , physical therapy , atomic force microscopy , lung , materials science , diffusing capacity , nanotechnology
Use of the airflometer (AFM) as an inexpensive apparatus for routine screening of pulmonary function has been hindered by the lack of established norms of AFM readings for young children. Using both the airflometer and the vitalograph, lung function was measured in 828 children, aged five to 11 years, randomly selected from six schools. Results indicate that girls aged five, 8–11 years have lower Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV 1 , and AFM scores than boys. High correlations were observed between AFM units and FEV 1 (0.93), between height and FEV 1 (0.88), and between FVC (0.89) and AFM units (0.84). Regression equations are given to enable prediction of AFM from height and from age for boys and girls. Tables indicate scores that should be followed with further pulmonary function testing. A protocol is outlined to enable the airflometer to be used as a first level screening device.