Spirometric changes in normal children with upper respiratory infections

Recent evidence that certain uncomplicated upper respiratory infections induce pulmonary function abnormalities in adults prompted a prospective study in children, in whom such infections occur more frequently. In a longitudinal study, 55 children 2.5 to 11 years of age were observed for a mean duration of 2 years. Spirometry and lung volume studies were obtained routinely every 3 months, during each upper respiratory infection, and 4 weeks after illness, providing data for 617 “well” and 237 “illness” observations. After grouping of data by sex and age ( 84 months), each Spirometric parameter was analyzed using linear regression with individual identification, height, and clinical status (normal versus upper respiratory illness) as independent variables. Adjusted mean values of forced vital capacity, 1-sec forced expiratory volume, peak expiratory flow, maximal mid-expiratory flow, and expiratory flow at 50 per cent of the forced vital capacity all decreased during upper respiratory illness. The...