treatment of exercise induced asthma

Last edited 11/2019

  • For most patients, exercise-induced asthma is an expression of poorly-controlled asthma and regular treatment including inhaled corticosteroids should be reviewed

  • If exercise is a specific problem in patients taking inhaled corticosteroids who are otherwise well controlled, consider adding one of the following therapies:
    • leukotriene receptor antagonists
    • long-acting beta2 agonists
    • sodium cromoglicate or nedocromil sodium
    • theophyllines

  • Immediately prior to exercise, inhaled short-acting beta2 agonists are the drug of choice.

Notes:

  • a systematic review (2) revealed that inhaled corticosteroids used for 4 weeks or more before exercise testing significantly attenuated exercise-induced bronchoconstriction

Reference: