Two new tests, Multiple Breath Washout Technique and Acoustic Severe Asthma Monitor, to measure lung function (breathing) in young children

There are two new tests that can be used to measure lung function in young children. These are called the multiple breath washout (MBW) and Acoustic Severe Asthma Monitor (ASAM). The MBW equipment is registered in Australia for use in children from birth. This system uses a multiple-breath washin/washout technique using sulphur-hexafluoride (SF6) as a tracer gas and a commercially available, TGA approved, ultrasonic flowmeter which indirectly measures inert tracer gas concentrations by continuous mainstream recording of the molar mass of the gas. The ASAM is a new breathing test and is not yet registered in Australia so its use is experimental. The ASAM is a combination of two technologies; incorporating both passive and active methods for continuous monitoring of the asthmatic patient. The passive technology employs the detection of wheezes and coughing in the patient. The active technology, which injects sound into the upper airways, monitors the degree of occlusion of intrapulmonary airways that occurs during asthma attacks. All participants undergo both tests in one session, with devices assigned in random order. Particpants will not have follow up as part of the study but will follow usual care. 50 children who wheeze and 50 children who don’t wheeze and have no other breathing problems shall be recruited and closeout shall occur within a year of commencement