Impulse Oscillometry System for the Diagnosis of Wheezing Episode in Children in Office Practice.

ABSTRACT

Background and Objective: Objectively differentiating between wheezing episodes and other respiratory disorders will be helpful in treatment in office practice. The impulse oscillometry system has been useful in assessing airway resistance in children 3-6 years old. As the reference values are different in geographical regions the use of the impulse oscillometry is still limited. Comparison between the percent change in IOS parameters as compared to reference standards and changes in actual IOS parameters was done to diagnose wheezing episodes. Methodology: Three to six years old children with a history of fever, cough, cold, and/or breathlessness with noisy breathing and who were not on any regular medications, whose parents gave consent were recruited in the study. The children underwent an impulse oscillometry system examination as per the guidelines. The test was repeated after they were given nebulization by salbutamol (2.5 mg) (before COVID 19 pandemic). Final diagnosis was done by following patients for 7 days. Results: About 106 children were recruited in the study. Five children could not perform the IOS test. Eighteen children did not complete the follow-up. Hence, 83 children were analyzed. There were 47 males and 36 female patients. The change in actual values of AX, R5, and X20 showed statistically significant difference in wheezing episode group (p-value<0.001). The percentage change as compared to predicted values of R5 and X20 also showed a statistically significant difference in the wheezing episode group and the others group (p-value<0.001). Conclusion: The change in actual values of AX, R5, X20, and resonant frequency may help to differentiate wheezing episode from other respiratory diseases.