Related Experiment Videos
Combination drug therapy in children with exercise-induced bronchospasm
Annals of Allergy
|November 1, 1984
Summary
Inhaled metaproterenol and cromolyn can help block exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) in children with asthma, even when theophylline is ineffective. Some children may require a combination of all three medications for complete EIB control.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) is a common asthma symptom in children.
- Theophylline is a standard treatment, but may not fully control EIB in all cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of inhaled metaproterenol and cromolyn in blocking EIB in children with moderately severe asthma.
- To determine if combination therapy is beneficial for children with persistent EIB despite theophylline treatment.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-three children with moderately severe asthma were studied.
- EIB was assessed by a 20% fall in FEV1 or 30% fall in FEF25-75.
- Children received therapeutic theophylline and were tested with inhaled metaproterenol and/or cromolyn prior to exercise.
Main Results:
- All 53 children experienced EIB while on theophylline.
- Inhaled metaproterenol completely blocked EIB in 47 children.
- Six children required a combination of theophylline, metaproterenol, and cromolyn for complete EIB blockage.
Conclusions:
- Inhaled metaproterenol is effective in blocking EIB in most children with asthma on theophylline.
- A subset of children may benefit from combination therapy including theophylline, metaproterenol, and cromolyn for optimal EIB management.