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Recognition and management of exercise-induced bronchospasm
1Department of Family and Community Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. taru.sinha@ahsys.org
American Family Physician
|March 5, 2003
Summary
Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) is a common airway obstruction after exertion. Early diagnosis and treatment, including medication and lifestyle changes, can improve fitness and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Sports Medicine
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) is a transient airflow obstruction occurring post-exertion.
- Despite being preventable, EIB is often underrecognized, impacting aerobic fitness and quality of life.
- Diagnosis requires a thorough history and resting pulmonary function tests.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the diagnostic criteria for exercise-induced bronchospasm.
- To discuss current therapeutic strategies for managing EIB.
- To emphasize the importance of non-pharmacologic interventions.
Main Methods:
- Clinical history assessment, including triggers and suggestive symptoms.
- Measurement of resting forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1).
- Therapeutic trial with inhaled beta-agonists and anti-inflammatory agents.
Main Results:
- A detailed history and normal resting FEV1 support EIB diagnosis.
- Inhaled beta-agonists are a primary treatment, with anti-inflammatory agents or ipratropium bromide as subsequent options.
- Non-pharmacologic measures like conditioning and warming up are crucial.
Conclusions:
- EIB is a significant condition affecting athletic individuals.
- A combination of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches is effective for management.
- Persistent symptoms warrant further investigation for underlying lung disease.