Exercise and Asthma:
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) published guidelines on exercise induced asthma or bronchospasm (EIB). In adults and children with asthma, taking inhaled short and long acting beta2-agonists (such as albuterol, salmeterol, formoterol) before vigorous activity or exercise may prevent EIB, exercise induced asthma, in about 80% of patients. The benefits of treatment may last for 2-3 hours for short action beta agonist or up to 12 hours if long action beta agonists are used. Additionally, a warm-up period prior to exercise is associated with a lessen degree of EIB. In cold weather, a mask or scarf over the mouth may lessen the effects of cold-induced EIB. Children suffering from EIB should not be excluded from sports and other activities but teachers and coaches should be notified that the child suffers from EIB and may need inhaled medication prior to participation. If symptoms of EIB occur during usual non-vigorous play activities, this may an sign of poorly managed or persistent asthma and long-term treatment may be necessary. Appropriate long-term management may reduce EIB. (16)