Identifying exercise-induced bronchospasm. Treatment hinges on distinguishing it from chronic asthma.
Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) is an often-undiagnosed but common problem affecting both recreational and elite athletes. Although exercise can trigger exacerbation of chronic asthma, EIB should not be confused with the chronic inflammatory disease. In this article, Drs Hermansen and Kirchner review the incidence, diagnosis, and treatment of EIB and explain how to distinguish EIB from chronic asthma.
Hermansen
Christian L
CL
Department of Family and Community Medicine, Lancaster General Hospital, USA. drherm@comcast.com
Kirchner
Jeffrey T
JT
D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis; D001250:Asthma, Exercise-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D001986:Bronchial Spasm / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents