Does lung function in preschoolers help to predict asthma in later life?

The earliest respiratory function assessments, within or close to the neonatal period, consistently show correlations with lung function and with the development of asthma into adulthood. Measurements of lung function in infancy reflect the in utero period of lung development, and if early enough, show little influence of postnatal environmental exposures.

Citation:
Owens L, Le Souëf PN. Does lung function in preschoolers help to predict asthma in later life? Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2024;35(12).

Keywords:
COPD; asthma; infant; lung function; preschool; wheeze

Abstract:
The earliest respiratory function assessments, within or close to the neonatal period, consistently show correlations with lung function and with the development of asthma into adulthood. Measurements of lung function in infancy reflect the in utero period of lung development, and if early enough, show little influence of postnatal environmental exposures.