Role of the lung function test in asthmatic children admitted to Al-Azhar University (Assiut)

Abstract

Background and aim Lung function, especially spirometry, is an important investigatory tool in the evaluation of asthma in children. This study aimed to compare the clinical condition of asthmatic children using the lung function test before and after treatment and after 3 months as a follow-up of asthmatic patients admitted to Al-Azhar Assiut University Hospital. Patients and methods This clinical study was a prospective study that included 60 asthmatic children aged 6–16 years with bronchial asthma plus 30 children matched for age, sex and nutritional status as a control group over a period of 13 months from December 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020. Results The age of the children included in this study was found to be mean±SD 9.033±2.843, with a male predominance (male : female ratio 58% : 42%) and a positive family history of asthma (61%) and other allergic disorders (65%). There was a statistically significant change in forced expiratory volume at first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and the FEV1/FVC ratio that showed considerable improvement in both age groups at admission, after receiving the suitable treatment and at follow-up 3 months after discharge. Conclusion Pediatric asthma is a major clinical concern and represents a huge burden on the family and society, hence the importance of prompt and early diagnosis that includes lung function testing, especially FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC ratio, in not only diagnosis but also for monitoring the efficacy of treatment and follow-up.