Comparison of respiratory function, exercise capacity, fatigue, and perception of dyspnea in asthmatic children with and without respiratory dysfunction

The asthma symptoms are found related with respiratory dysfunction due to hyperventilation. Nijmegen Questionnaire is a method used to detect the presence of respiratory dysfunction. Our study aims to compare respiratory function, exercise capacity, fatigue, and dyspnea perception in asthmatic children with and without respiratory dysfunction. Eighty-one children diagnosed with asthma were divided into two groups according to the Nijmegen Questionnaire score: above or below 19 were defined as respiratory dysfunction (n=27) and control group (n=54), respectively. Respiratory function parameters, oxygen saturations, and respiratory frequencies of all participants were evaluated by using spirometry, pulse oximetry, and counting breaths per minute, respectively. Modified Borg Scale and Breath Hold Time test were used to evaluate dyspnea. Exercise capacity values were determined by the 30-second sit-to-stand test (30-STST). "Two Independent Sample T Test" or "Mann-Whitney U Test" was used, depending on the distribution of the data to compare the scores of groups. A statistically significant difference was detected in 30-STST, modified Borg dyspnea, and fatigue scores between the two groups (p=0.030; p=0.047; p≤0.001, respectively). No significant difference was found in respiratory function parameters and breath hold time test score (p>0.05). Exercise capacity, fatigue, and dyspnea perception were found significantly affected in asthmatic children with respiratory dysfunction. Further studies are needed planning appropriate rehabilitation approaches by considering respiratory dysfunction from the early stages of asthma management.