Pulmonary Function Testing in Children with the Airflometer

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Abstract
Use of the airflometer (AFM) as an inexpensive apparatus for routine screening of pulmonary function has been hindered by the lack of established norms of AFM readings for young children. Using both the airflometer and the vitalograph, lung function was measured in 828 children, aged five to 11 years, randomly selected from six schools. Results indicate that girls aged five, 8–11 years have lower Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1, and AFM scores than boys. High correlations were observed between AFM units and FEV1 (0.93), between height and FEV1 (0.88), and between FVC (0.89) and AFM units (0.84). Regression equations are given to enable prediction of AFM from height and from age for boys and girls. Tables indicate scores that should be followed with further pulmonary function testing. A protocol is outlined to enable the airflometer to be used as a first level screening device.

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