The free-running asthma screening test: an approach to screening for exercise-induced asthma in rural Alabama

This study documented the prevalence of exercise-induced asthma (bronchospasm) in rural elementary schools and described the use of a free-running asthma screening test (exercise-challenge) and peak expiratory flow rate measurements for screening in a school setting. Of 437 children screened, 25 (5.72%) had a > or = 15% decrease in post-exercise peak expiratory flow rate which is indicative of exercise-induced asthma. Absenteeism and poverty were associated with findings of exercise-induced asthma. Early detection of exercise-induced asthma in school-age children through screening would facilitate early treatment, enhance exercise-related activities, and decreases school absences.