Related Experiment Videos
Exercise-induced asthma among Thai asthmatic children
Pakit Vichyanond1, Premvadee Anuraklekha, Sirirut Ruengruk
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Summary
Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) prevalence is lower in Thai children compared to Western studies. Screening for EIA may not be suitable for diagnosing childhood asthma in tropical climates.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) affects approximately 70% of children with asthma in temperate climates.
- Evidence suggests EIA may be less common in tropical regions.
- The prevalence of EIA in Asian children with asthma remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of exercise-induced asthma (EIA) in Thai children with asthma.
- To compare EIA prevalence in a tropical climate with findings from temperate regions.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 44 Thai asthmatic children.
- Standardized treadmill exercise testing in a controlled environment.
- Spirometry used to measure lung function changes post-exercise, assessing FEV1, PEFR, and FEF50.
Main Results:
- Overall, 52% of participants met EIA criteria using at least one measure (FEV1, PEFR, or FEF50).
- Prevalence varied by criteria: 25% by FEV1, 30% by PEFR, and 45% by FEF50.
- Most EIA episodes observed were mild, with peak symptom manifestation occurring within 10 minutes post-exercise.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of EIA in Thai children is significantly lower than reported in Western countries.
- Diagnostic criteria impact EIA prevalence, with FEV1 showing the lowest detection rate.
- Routine EIA screening may not be an optimal diagnostic approach for childhood asthma in tropical climates.