Pulmonary function testing in asthmatic children.

During the past twenty years pulmonary physiology has contributed significantly to the clinical practice of medicine not only by introducing new, sophisticated methodologies, but also by clarifying the pathophysiology of the disease. This review summarizes recent developments and illustrates the significance of pulmonary function testing in children with asthma. The use and interpretation of these tests in the pediatrician’s office are demonstrated to emphasize their importance in evaluation of the different clinical stages of asthma.