title: Physical Activity and the Asthmatic.
abstract: In brief: Recent studies suggest that avoiding exercise is unwarranted and detrimental for asthmatics. Although exercise provokes bronchospasm in most asthmatics, the severity of exercise-induced asthma can be reduced by several factors: control of exercise duration; less intense, intermittent exercise; warm-ups; warmer, humid inspired air; aerobic fitness; and drugs. Regular vigorous activity increases fitness, enhances tolerance to attacks, and provides more social and psychological independence. The recent development of protective medications has made such activity possible for many asthmatics. Preexercise cromolyn sodium and beta adrenergic agonists are recommended for blocking or reversing attacks.
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Morton
authors.forename: K D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Fitch
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Hahn