Lung function in children with recurrent bronchitis

Respiration. 1979;38(3):127-34. doi: 10.1159/000194069.

Abstract

Lung function was studied in 29 children suffering from recurrent bronchitis (average number of bronchitis attacks per year: 4.2 +/- 0.5). Most of them (73%) were 1--7 years old. The date of exploration in relation to the last acute bronchitis was on average 6 weeks. Lung mechanics, residual functional capacity, blood gases and regional lung function were measured. Most of the children were suffering from some kind of functional disorder; alteration of lung mechanics -- increase of lung resistance (22/29) decrease of dynamic compliance (15/23); increase of functional residual capacity (6/10), non specific bronchial hypersensitivity (12/17); regional ventilatory and perfusion malfunction. These functional disorders could be the first evidence of the bronchial lesions which cause chronic obstructive bronchitis in adults.

MeSH terms

  • Bronchitis / blood
  • Bronchitis / physiopathology*
  • Carbon Dioxide / blood
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Lung / physiopathology*
  • Lung Compliance
  • Lung Volume Measurements
  • Male
  • Oxygen / blood
  • Recurrence
  • Respiration

Substances

  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Oxygen