[Changes in the small airways as a long-term sequela of acute bronchiolitis and a pre-stage of chronic obstructive airway disease in adults].

Apart from cigarette smoking and air pollution, lower respiratory tract infections of viral origin in early childhood are considered to be one of the risk factors for chronic obstructive lung disease. Acute bronchiolitis accounts for the typical disease of the small airways in the first two years of life. 16 symptom-free former patients have been studied 16 to 22 years after an acute attack of bronchiolitis. A complete lung function test was performed with special regard to the small airways. The volume of Isoflow proved to be the most sensitive test. The changes found are considered to be mild. Follow-up will show whether they correlate with an as yet symptom-free stage of a chronic obstructive lung disease.