FORCED OSCILLATION TECHNIQUE (FOT)

Lung function testing is an important tool that helps in the diagnosis of children with chronic lung disease.

• In children older than 5-6 years of age spirometry can be performed. It requires the child to blow out forcefully into a spirometer. However, younger children, are unable to perform this test and objective testing was not possible till recently.
• The forced oscillation technique is a newer lung function testing method that does not require children to blow out forcefully and can be performed at tidal breathing that is in normal breathing.  The test makes it very comfortable for young children and also those who have had recent chest surgeries or undergone certain chest procedures.

Forced oscillation technique (FOT) is a non-invasive test used in the assessment of airflow obstruction in patients with asthma,  chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other airway-related abnormalities. 

• Children just need to breathe normally in a pipe to which a mouthpiece is attached. We usually take 3-5 readings on average.
• Different frequencies are generated which the child can feel in the mouth but are comfortable. The machines calculate the results which are later presented as graphs and values which are easily interpreted by the doctor.

• Usually, children over 2.5- 3 years of age are capable of performing the test.   
• The children for ease of understanding, our technician demonstrates the tests and explains the child and the parent for the first time. 

It takes anywhere between 2 to 3 minutes, sometimes very young children may need some more time. The test is repeated after giving a bronchodilator like salbutamol to check for the change in parameters. 

The test is very child-friendly and very easy to perform. There is no pain and is a quick test to perform in the clinic. 

We use the latest Antilia PRO which gives us a detailed report of the airway resistance and is very easy to use.For any queries, watch the video of how the test is performed.