Pulmonary function testing in children

Abstract

This article concentrates on those factors that are particularly important for performing and interpreting lung function tests in children. Specifically, technical considerations such as equipment, personnel, test performance, and bronchoprovocation procedures are discussed. Changes in lung function with growth and appropriate use of race-specific reference standards are emphasized, and references for standard and experimental pulmonary function tests are provided. Several examples illustrating the utility of pulmonary function testing in clinical situations in children with lung disease are provided as well.