Name of the Procedure:

Measurement of lung volumes (Functional Residual Capacity [FRC], Forced Vital Capacity [FVC], and Expiratory Reserve Volume [ERV]) in an Infant or Child (up to 2 years old)

Summary

This procedure involves measuring different volumes of air that an infant or young child can hold in their lungs. These measurements help to assess lung function and are crucial for diagnosing and treating respiratory conditions.

Purpose

This procedure addresses various respiratory conditions, including asthma, cystic fibrosis, and chronic lung disease. The goal is to evaluate the lung capacity and function of the child to guide treatment decisions and track disease progression.

Indications

• Persistent coughing
• Wheezing
• Difficulty breathing
• Recurrent respiratory infections
• Monitoring known respiratory conditions

Preparation

• Ensure the child is calm and well-rested before the procedure.
• No specific fasting or medication adjustments are typically required.
• Prior assessment may include a physical exam and medical history review.

Procedure Description

1. The child may sit on a parent’s lap or in a specialized seat to ensure they stay calm.
2. A small, gentle mask or mouthpiece is placed over the child’s nose and mouth.
3. The child breathes normally, and sometimes specific breathing instructions are given.
4. Equipment such as a plethysmograph, spirometer, or gas dilution devices measures lung volumes.
5. The procedure is performed in a child-friendly environment possibly including breathing games or visual stimuli to keep the child engaged.
6. No sedation or anesthesia is usually required.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Setting

The procedure is performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or specialized pediatric respiratory laboratory.

Personnel

• Pediatric pulmonologist
• Respiratory therapist
• Pediatric nurse

Risks and Complications

• Discomfort from the mask or mouthpiece
• Minor anxiety or distress in the child
• Rarely, brief periods of breath-holding or crying

Benefits

• Accurate assessment of lung function
• Aids in diagnosing respiratory conditions
• Helps in monitoring the effectiveness of treatments
• Provides critical data for managing chronic lung conditions

Recovery

• No specific post-procedure care is required.
• The child can usually resume normal activities immediately after the procedure.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the results.

Alternatives

• Clinical assessment and observation without specific lung volume measurements.
• Imaging studies like chest X-rays or CT scans, which provide structural but not functional information.
• Pulse oximetry for measuring oxygen levels in the blood.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the child might feel slightly uncomfortable or anxious due to the unfamiliar equipment. Comfort measures such as parental presence and distraction techniques like toys or videos are typically used. There is no pain involved, and any distress is usually short-lived.