More air to spare: lung function growth in pediatric asthma and allergy
More air to spare: lung function growth in pediatric asthma and allergy
In this thesis Hans Koefoed investigated how lung function develops in children with asthma and allergies. The findings show that these children are at risk of a lower than normal lung function development, although the degree of impairment varies. We show that low lung function can be an early feature of asthma. Alternatively, it may not be a trait of the disease itself but rather a risk factor for developing symptoms such as wheezing and coughing. Reduced lung function could reflect impaired lung development, potentially due to early-life exposures like tobacco smoke or air pollution. Additionally, the relationship between airway caliber (diameter of airways) and total lung volume may act as an independent risk factor for asthma symptoms. Low lung function can appear before, during, or after the onset of asthma, making it difficult to determine whether it is a cause or a consequence of the disease.
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease and its clinical manifestations are diverse. One might question the significance of modest reductions in lung function growth, however, asthma is not solely defined by low lung function. It also encompasses amongst others poor sleep, reduced concentration, hindered academic and professional performance, social exclusion, and a diminished quality of life. Collectively, these factors result in clinical relevance. Therefore, it is imperative to address each of these aspects, low lung function included so that children with asthma will have more air to spare.