Small airway function before and after cold dry air challenge in pediatric asthma patients during remission.

Background: We wanted to compare cold dry air challenge (CACh) induced changes in spirometric parameters with changes in nitrogen multiple breath washout (N MBW) parameters in pediatric asthma patients during clinical remission over the past year (ie, with "inactive asthma"). As N MBW assesses ventilation heterogeneity we expected to gain detailed information about peripheral airways contribution.

Methods: In subjects with normal spirometry N MBW, spirometry and body plethysmography were performed at baseline, after CACh, and after salbutamol inhalation.

Does bronchodilator responsiveness in infants with bronchiolitis depend on age?

Objective: To assess the relation between age and bronchodilator responsiveness in infants with bronchiolitis.

Study Design: In 41 infants (age, 2 to 18 months) with bronchiolitis, lung function was measured with the raised volume rapid thoracoabdominal compression technique before and after salbutamol inhalation. Lung function was quantified in terms of timed volumes (FEV(0.