Breathing patterns in asthmatic children during attack.

Breathing patterns in asthmatic children during attack were studied using multielectrode impedance pneumography. A great number of respiration patterns were analyzed by a personal computer. During severe attacks, a pattern of prolonged expiratory time was noted. Inspiratory time, however, did not change, regardless of the severity of the asthmatic attack. No remarkable changes in breathing patterns were recognized during mild attacks. It was, therefore, considered that breathing patterns remained essentially unchanged except in cases of severe asthmatic attacks.