Exercise Induced Asthma in Children – An Update

Abstract:
Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) describes the narrowing of the airway that occurs
with exercise. More than 10 percent of the general population and up to 90 percent
of persons previously diagnosed with asthma may show mild to severe extent of
bronchoconstriction. Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and chest
tightness with exercise. However, many athletes will present with nonspecific
symptoms such as fatigue and impaired performance. Although diagnosed
clinically, EIA should be confirmed by performing a challenge test.
Nonpharmacologic treatment options include avoiding known triggers, choosing
sports with low minute ventilation, warming up before exercising, wearing a heat
exchange mask in cold weather and fish-oil/vit-c supplementation. Short-acting
beta2 agonists are recommended first-line agents for pharmacologic treatment,
although leukotriene receptor antagonists or inhaled corticosteroids with or
without long-acting B2 agonists may be needed in refractory cases. If symptoms
persist despite adequate treatment, alternative diagnoses such as cardiac or other
pulmonary etiologies, vocal cord dysfunction, or anxiety should be considered.
Key words: Asthma, Tiggers, Exercise & Childhood Asthma.

 Download this PDF