title: Treatment options for the management of exercise-induced asthma and bronchoconstriction.
abstract: Treatment for exercise-induced bronchospasm and exercise-induced asthma includes both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic options. Pharmacologic agents that have been proven to be effective for treating these conditions include short- and long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonists, mast cell-stabilizing agents, anticholinergics, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). When selecting the most appropriate medication, factors to consider include the effectiveness of each, the duration of action, frequency of administration, potential side effects, and tolerance level. Long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonists should not be used without ICS. Nonpharmacologic treatments include physical conditioning, incorporating a warm-up before and a cool-down period after exercise, performing nasal breathing, avoiding cold weather or environmental allergens, using a face mask or other aid to warm and humidify inhaled air, and modifying dietary intake. The data to support nonpharmacologic treatments are limited; however, they are routinely recommended because of the low risk associated with their use. This article highlights the advantages and limitations of each treatment option.
authors.affiliation: University of Arizona, Sports Medicine, Tuscon, AZ, USA. millward@health.arizona.edu
authors.forename: David T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Millward
authors.forename: Lindsay G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Tanner
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001250:Asthma, Exercise-Induced / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016084:Bronchoconstriction / Q000187:drug effects*; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004032:Diet; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008397:Masks; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents; D018680:Cholinergic Antagonists; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists