No X-ray, no CT, lung function test just "blow"

In addition to blood drawing, X-ray and CT, there is a more convenient and irreplaceable test - lung function test. Today, let's learn about lung function tests.

As spring comes, with the dispersal of pollen and the increase of social activities, children's cough and sputum symptoms gradually increase.

In addition to blood drawing, X-ray and CT, there is a more convenient and irreplaceable test - lung function test. Today, let's learn about lung function tests.

What is a lung function test?

Pulmonary function tests are primarily used to assess the respiratory function of children and help diagnose respiratory diseases, and are a non-invasive, non-painful and non-radiation test.

Doctors have pointed out that just as blood pressure and blood sugar tests are important for controlling high blood pressure and high blood sugar, lung function tests should also be part of lung disease screening.

Which children need a lung function test?

1. Repeated wheezing or chronic cough: used to distinguish asthma, allergic cough, trachea foreign body, etc.

2. Air pollution: Long-term exposure to indoor air pollution, exposure to second-hand smoke in children.

3. Exercise intolerance: Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) is excluded.

4. Allergic rhinitis: Some children have underlying asthma or impaired lung function.

5. Obese children (BMI > 95th percentile for the same age)

6. Children with slower growth and development.

7. Evaluation of pneumonia sequelae: Pneumonia can damage airway epithelial ciliary function and even destroy airway wall structure, leading to decreased lung function.

Is it necessary to check lung function only in case of cough, sputum, pneumonia?

Not really.

As can be seen from the above points, many factors may affect the lung function of children. When the symptoms are hidden, it is not easy to cause parents' attention. But by the time respiratory symptoms appear, lung function may have declined.

Therefore, early pulmonary function examination is necessary to detect abnormal indicators. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly for evaluation and diagnosis by a doctor.

What should children pay attention to before examination?

You can eat and drink water normally on the day of the examination.

In patients undergoing bronchodilation tests, nebulizer should be discontinued 8 hours before examination and oral leukotriene receptor antagonists should be discontinued 48 hours before examination.

Due to intraday variation in pulmonary function test results, it is recommended to perform a pre - and post-treatment comparison within ±2 hours of the same time period if necessary.

How to prevent lung disease and protect lung health?

1. Regular pulmonary function examination

For children with risk factors, annual lung function tests are recommended for early detection of changes in lung function.

2. Avoid secondhand smoke

Keeping away from secondhand smoke is an effective way to protect lung health.

3. Reduce pollution exposure

Reduce exposure to air pollution, dust and harmful gases, and try to live in an environment with good air quality.

4. Moderate Exercise

Low-impact aerobic exercise (e.g., walking, swimming) helps strengthen heart and lung function while improving the body's overall endurance and strength.

5 .Vaccinations

Get vaccinated against influenza and streptococcus pneumoniae to prevent infection from worsening lung disease.