Worb

Researchers are studying children and adolescents in Switzerland who visit doctors for recurrent wheezing, coughing, and breathing problems related to exercise or sleep. The Swiss Paediatric Airway Cohort (SPAC) aims to understand different types of respiratory issues, their outcomes, diagnosis, and treatment. This long-term study collects real-life data from patients seen in 10 clinics across Switzerland and seeks to build a platform for future research and healthcare improvements. Participants are patients aged 0 to 16 years referred to pediatric pulmonary outpatient clinics for respiratory symptoms. Families receive detailed questionnaires at the start, and follow-ups include monthly online questionnaires during the first year and yearly postal questionnaires afterward. No tests are done specifically for the study; only clinically needed examinations such as lung function, allergy, blood, or bronchial challenge tests are performed as part of routine care. Families complete questionnaires about symptoms, treatments, and risk factors, while medical records provide additional clinical data and test results. The study tracks outcomes like wheezing, coughing (apart from colds), exercise-induced breathing difficulties, and lung function over one year. Data collection is supported by visits to clinics and ongoing follow-up, allowing researchers to monitor health changes and treatment responses over time. The total participation duration varies with annual follow-ups continuing beyond the first year.