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Spirometry in Pediatrics

Spirometria

Spirometry in pediatrics is a fundamental instrumental method for assessing external respiratory function. The test helps confirm the diagnosis, determine the severity of pathology, and monitor treatment efficacy.

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Patient agePerformed in children over 5 years old
Frequency in cystic fibrosisOn average every 3 months
Key parametersFEV1, PEF, and Tiffeneau index
2 min readFor medical studentsUpdated 10.10.2026
Material prepared by WhiteCoat Pro editorial team based on platform study guidesPending instructor review

Indications and procedure

Assessment of external respiratory function is a key tool in pediatric pulmonology. The baseline diagnostic set includes spirometry in patients over 5 years old.

The main indications for regular testing are:

  • Suspected cystic fibrosis.
  • Confirmed diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (as part of quarterly follow-up).
  • Need to determine the nature and severity of bronchial obstruction.

Interpretation of results and key parameters

The method aims to assess unforced respiratory volumes and flows. The most significant parameters in the analysis are forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF).

A typical obstructive pattern is characterized by:

  • Decreased FEV1.
  • Reduced FEV1/FVC ratio (Tiffeneau index).
  • Drop in peak expiratory flow with normal or reduced forced vital capacity.
Test your knowledge on this topicTasks from the "Pediatrics" course bank — immediate answers and explanations.

Additional tests and monitoring

In some cases, standard spirometry is supplemented by functional tests:

  • Bronchodilator test: inhalation of a drug with assessment of FEV1 increase in 15–20 minutes (an increase of more than 12% is considered positive).
  • Peak flowmetry: a method of independent home monitoring by measuring PEF at least twice daily for 2–3 weeks to control diurnal variability.
How to memorize

Five and three: spirometry is performed in children from 5 years of age, and in cystic fibrosis it is repeated every 3 months.

Class and exam questions

At what age is spirometry performed in children?

Assessment of external respiratory function is part of the basic diagnostic set in children over 5 years old.

How often should patients with cystic fibrosis undergo spirometry?

In suspected and confirmed cystic fibrosis, spirometry is performed regularly, on average every 3 months.

Which spirometry parameters are the most significant?

Key parameters include forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and peak expiratory flow (PEF).

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What else to study on this topic

  • Body plethysmography in dynamic monitoring of pulmonary function
  • Assessment of bronchial hyperreactivity using provocative tests
  • Specific sputum analysis changes in bronchial asthma
  • Differential diagnosis of bronchial obstruction syndrome in young children
  • Follow-up and annual advanced check-up in cystic fibrosis

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Prepared by WhiteCoat Pro faculty in accordance with the medical school curriculum. For educational purposes only.