Frequency dependence of respiratory resistance in healthy children

Abstract
Respiratory resistance [Rrs] was measured in 130 (61 girls) children aged 3-14 yr with the oscillation technique, between 4 and 9 Hz. Rrs, at 4 and 9 Hz, decreased as a function of height (r = 0.74, P = < 0.001). No statistical difference was found between boys and girls. Frequency dependence of resistance (Rrs 4 Hz-Rrs 9 Hz) was found in children at all ages and decreased with increasing height (r [correlation coefficient] = 0.50, P < 0.001). Frequency dependence of resistance in children can be explained on the basis of an increased peripheral resistance, which produces an asynchronous distribution of tidal volume between dead space and lung parenchyma. During growth, peripheral resistance decreases and Rrs become less frequency dependent to reach at about 15-16 yr independency of frequence.

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