Exercise-induced asthma: fresh insights and an overview

Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) is a common condition affecting 12-15% of the population. Ninety percent of asthmatic individuals and 35-45% of patients with allergic rhinitis are afflicted by EIA, while 3-10% of the general population is also believed to suffer from this condition. EIA is a condition...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inMalaysian family physician Vol. 3; no. 1; pp. 21 - 24
Main Author Khajotia, R
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Malaysia Academy of Family Physician of Malaysia 2008
Academy of Family Physicians of Malaysia
Subjects
allergic rhinitis
bronchial asthma
cromolyn
Exercise-induced asthma
montelukast
nedocromil
Review
bronchial asthma
Exercise-induced asthma
nedocromil
allergic rhinitis
montelukast
cromolyn
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Summary:Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) is a common condition affecting 12-15% of the population. Ninety percent of asthmatic individuals and 35-45% of patients with allergic rhinitis are afflicted by EIA, while 3-10% of the general population is also believed to suffer from this condition. EIA is a condition which is more prevalent in strenuous outdoor, cold weather and winter sports. The pathophysiology of EIA continues to intrigue medical physiologists. However, the water-loss hypothesis and the post-exertional airway-rewarming hypothesis are as yet the best accepted theories. EIA is best diagnosed by a good medical history and a free-run challenge test. A post-exertion decrease by 15% in FEV1 and PEFR is diagnostic of EIA. Sensitivity of exercise testing ranges from 55% to 80% while specificity is as high as 93%. EIA is a disorder that can be successfully treated by combining both non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment options. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of this condition is vital if we hope to provide our patients with better overall health, better social life and a better self-image.
ISSN:1985-207X
1985-2274