Bronchodilator effects of disodium cromoglycate in exercise-induced bronchoconstriction

Twelve asthmatic subjects (mean age 23.3 years) exercised on three separate occasions, during which they all received combinations of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) aerosol (10 mg) or placebo, both before and after exercise in a randomized double-blind study. There was a significant improvement in resting FEV1 in those subjects receiving DSCG before exercise compared with placebo (P less than 0.05). Following exercise there was a more rapid recovery of FEV1 in those receiving DSCG after exercise compared with placebo (P less than 0.005). The greatest differences in FEV1 between placebo and DSCG treated groups were seen in the first 20 minutes after receiving the drug in the post-exercise period. These findings suggest that DSCG has a significant bronchodilator effect.