Our children's health is at the heart of our concerns.
As a parent, you're no doubt alert to the slightest signals they may show.
Today, I'm going to tell you about an essential tool for keeping an eye on their respiratory well-being: spirometry.
What is spirometry?
Like the stethoscope for listening to heartbeats or the otoscope for examining the ears, the spirograph is the flagship diagnostic device in pediatric pulmonology.
This examination helps to assess how the lungs work in the youngest children.
To keep things as simple as possible, during a spirometry test your child will be asked to blow into a tube connected to a machine that will measure two main values:
👉 The maximum volume of air it can expel after taking a deep breath - this is called Forced Vital Capacity (FVC).
👉 The maximum amount of air he can exhale in one second - this is the Maximum Expiratory Volume per Second (FEV1).
By studying these parameters and their evolution over time during the various tests performed during the examination, we gain a clear insight into the functioning of the respiratory tract.
This enables medical professionals, such as those at Centre Cardio Laval, to detect early any potential problems linked to allergic sensitization or other diseases of the respiratory system.
Why is spirometry important for children?
There are a multitude of reasons that can lead to a respiratory disorder in children: from asthma to cystic fibrosis, allergies to airborne particles or even certain rare genetic conditions.
Performing a spirometry test can make a significant contribution in these situations, especially if your child coughs often for no apparent reason, seems to have trouble catching his breath after "normal" exertion for his age, or shows disproportionate signs of breathlessness during play and generally seems less energetic than his peers.
Spirometry can help confirm a conditional diagnosis such as asthma, and assess response to various prescribed treatments.
By regularly monitoring their lung function with this simple, non-invasive test, we can react quickly to potential precursor signals even before they fully develop.
It is with this preventive in mind that this test is so essential.
How does spirometry work in children?
For our youngest patients in need of a session - and their anxious parents - I want to reassure you that the procedure is completely painless.
It will simply involve your child sitting comfortably, with a nose clip to make sure all the air comes out of his mouth, and being invited to blow as hard as he can into the spirograph tube.
To ensure reliable results, several attempts at this 'maximum blast' are generally necessary.
Don't worry if your child needs a little time to adjust, it's completely normal.
At Centre Cardio Laval, we invest a lot in creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for all our little patients, by also providing them with various educational visual aids that can make this new experience less intimidating.
The team attaches great importance to ensuring that each young patient fully understands the instructions provided, as this is crucial to guaranteeing optimal results during spirometry tests.
Causes and symptoms of respiratory problems to watch out for in children
Understanding the factors influencing our children's respiratory health is crucial to preventing and effectively treating potential ailments.
Here's an overview of the common causes and symptoms that must not be overlooked to ensure the well-being of our young people. 👇
What are the common causes of respiratory problems in children?
Healthy breathing is essential for life.
However, certain factors can impair the quality of this vital function in children.
These factors include certain congenital anomalies, such as asthma or bronchiolitis.
Exposure to environmental irritants such as passive smoking and air pollution can also lead to respiratory problems.
Beyond these common triggers, there are other lesser-known but equally important factors: overweight and obesity can lead to a reduction in lung capacity due to excessive weight on the ribcage, as can certain allergies that directly expose the system to inflammatory agents.
Symptoms that should alert you
It's important to be aware of the warning signs that may indicate an underlying problem requiring further investigation.
Key indicators that your child may need spirometry include: a persistent cough beyond the common "cold", asthma that's difficult to control despite well-monitored treatment, unusual fatigue during ordinary play or light exercise, or frequent infections in their medical history, such as unexplained pneumonia.
When should I consult?
When you notice these signals, it's important to react quickly and make a medical appointment.
Don't delay seeking advice if your child presents unusual or distressing breathing symptoms.
Spirometry can then be considered as the next step in establishing a precise diagnosis.
How can Centre Cardio Laval help your child?
Find out how Centre Cardio Laval brings its unique expertise to pediatric cardiovascular and respiratory health, offering not only accurate diagnoses but also ongoing support tailored to the specific needs of young patients. 👇
Center Cardio Laval's unique approach
At Centre Cardio Laval, we've developed a unique approach adapted specifically for children.
Our team is made up of specialists in pediatrics and cardiology, who fully understand the challenges of cardiovascular assessment in this young age group.
We are committed to providing a comprehensive service, which is not limited to screening alone, but also includes ongoing follow-up to ensure an optimal pathway for every patient.
The process begins with a thorough examination by our experts.
The aim is not only to detect the presence of a problem, but also to determine the underlying cause in order to establish precisely the best protocols to follow on an individual basis.
Center Cardio Laval's key role in monitoring children's respiratory health
Our center also plays a key role when it comes to demystification.
We firmly believe in health education and promote this value as a fundamental principle, so that every family has access to the information they need to better understand the situation at hand.
What's more, as part of our tailored and individualized follow-up (both during testing and throughout the treatment process), we constantly strive to ensure the child's psychological comfort by using, where possible and appropriate, pedagogical illustrations to explain the various procedures, or even the intervention of a child psychology specialist to deal with certain specific anxieties.
At Centre Cardio Laval, we consider your child to be a valuable member of our community and leave no stone unturned when it comes to providing the best possible service for his or her cardiorespiratory health.
Preparing for spirometry
Preparing for spirometry focuses on your child's comfort and understanding.
Discover practical tips to prepare him psychologically and physically for this important exam, ensuring a reassuring, stress-free experience. 👇
How can you prepare your child for spirometry?
Preparing your child for spirometry is mainly psychological.
Explain in simple terms what the exam is, how it works and why it's important.
The aim is to reassure them so that they don't become anxious about the test.
It may help to explain that the test is very much like a game where you have to blow hard into a tube.
Note that the medical team performing the test is specially trained to welcome children and put them at ease.
Physically, there is no special diet or condition required before spirometry, unless mentioned by your GP.
The day of the exam: what to bring?
On exam day, resist the temptation to inundate your child with too much information about what's going to happen - you'll simply scare him and increase his stress levels. Instead, provide encouragement throughout the process.
Bringing a favorite toy or book can help them stay calm during this potentially stressful time.
Parents are advised to create a relaxing atmosphere by acting in a calm, reassuring manner.
After the exam: the next steps
After the examination, the specialist technician will draw up a full report and explain the results obtained.
In the majority of cases, rest assured that these findings will not have serious consequences for your child.
If any anomalies are detected, our team at Centre Cardio Laval will take the time to explain exactly what steps to take.
We emphasize a caring process that accompanies families from start to finish.
Supporting your child throughout the process
Moral support from parents is an essential part of a child's spirometry experience.
Make him understand that results are not a measure of success or failure, but simply a way for doctors to help him stay healthy.
After the exam, acknowledge his efforts and congratulate him, regardless of the results.
This approach will help to de-dramatize the situation and may even enable your child to associate positive feelings with it.
Prepare for spirometry with Centre Cardio Laval
Now that you know everything there is to know about preparing for a spirometry test for children, it's time to make an appointment.
Understand the importance of this step and put reassuring words into your child's mouth on the big day.
At Centre Cardio Laval, we accept challenges with open arms and are there every step of the way to guide your family to the best possible care.
Don't hesitate, take a few minutes today to book a consultation. 🖥️
You'll see the difference that trusting in experts who are respectful and committed to your family can make.
