Abstract
Whereas exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) is common among asthmatics, exercise-induced asthma (EIA) may occur in otherwise healthy individuals, particularly athletes. Baseline pulmonary function testing (PFT) should be obtained in all suspected cases. It may be advisable to screen highly competitive athletes who might be at a higher risk for EIA/EIB than average. The mechanism of EIA/EIB may involve airway cooling and rewarming and/or airway drying with mediator release. The mainstay of treatment is short-acting inhaled bronchodilators prior to exercise, in addition to regularly used anti-inflammatory agent, if required. Pre-exercise warm-ups may be helpful, at least in part. The diagnosis should be confirmed with exercise challenge testing for individuals who do not respond to treatment. These individuals may have alternate diagnoses. (Pediatr Asthma Allergy Immunol 2000; 14[4]:269–276.)
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