Exercise-induced asthma

Abstract

Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) is common in asthmatic children and adolescents. Since it may cause limitations to daily life activities in up to 30%, mastering EIA is important in asthma management. EIA consists of bronchial obstruction occurring immediately, or soon after, physical exercise as a result of increased respiratory water and heat loss due to increased ventilation during exercise, with the subsequent release of mediators and stimulation of airways receptors. Diagnosis is best made by standardised exercise tests, preferably running on a treadmill for 6-8 minutes at an exercise load of 95% of maximum. The sensitivity of the test may be increased by cold air inhalation. EIA is best treated by inhaled steroids in addition to pre-treatment before exercise by inhaled beta(2)-agonists, short or long acting, and/or leukotriene antagonists. Physical training may improve physical fitness and quality of life in asthmatic children but baseline lung function and bronchial responsiveness are not improved.