Application of the Forced Oscillation Technique in Diagnosing and Monitoring of Asthma in Preschool Children

The measurement of lung function in preschool children for the diagnosis of asthma is not routinely used. The need to perform forced expiratory manoeuvres requires active cooperation and thus limits the use of spirometry in this age group. The forced oscillation technique (FOT) is a simple and noninvasive method of assessing the mechanical properties of the respiratory system during tidal breathing. It is used in young patients and requires minimal cooperation. It provides an objective assessment of the respiratory system in a group of patients in whom we have not yet had appropriate diagnostic tools. In recent years, due to the availability of new technical solutions, FOT has been increasingly used and has a chance to become a method used routinely in diagnosing and monitoring treatment in preschool children. This article presents the possibility of the clinical application of FOT in diagnosing and monitoring of early childhood asthma.