Exercise-induced asthma
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SUMMARY OF PRACTICE POINTS
| LEVEL OF EVIDENCE |
| ICS treatment as monotherapy twice daily for 8 to12 weeks reduces severity of exercise-induced asthma and after treatment 50% of people will no longer require any prophylactic medication pre-exercise. |
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| ICS in combination with a LABA is recommended to prevent exercise-induced asthma for those with abnormal spirometry and persistent symptoms. The duration of the protective effect of LABAs is reduced with daily use (either alone or in combination with ICS). Thus, in the middle of a dosing period, extra doses of the combination or a SABA may be required to protect against exercise-induced asthma. |
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| Single doses of short- or long-acting beta2 agonist, sodium cromoglycate or nedocromil sodium may significantly inhibit or even prevent exercise-induced asthma when taken immediately before exercise. |
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| LABAs alone are only recommended to prevent exercise-induced asthma if used less than 3 times per week because the duration of their protective effect against exercise is reduced when they are taken daily. Daily doses may lead to excessive use of beta agonists. |
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| Leukotriene antagonists reduce both the severity and the duration of exercise-induced asthma. Tolerance does not develop to daily use of these drugs. |
II |
| Respiratory symptoms during exercise are poor indicators of presence of exercise-induced asthma, therefore, objective testing is recommended. |
IV |
| Being physically fit can increase the intensity of exercise required to provoke exercise-induced asthma, although exercise-induced asthma can still occur. |
I |
Content Created (Thursday, 16 November 2006)
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 31 May 2007 )
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Exercise-induced asthma 
