THE EFFECTS OF PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT ON PULMONARY FUNCTION IN CHILDREN WITH EXERCISE‐INDUCED ASTHMA

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The effects of 2 therapeutic regimens were investigated in 11 boys and 8 girls (8-13 yr) with a history of exercise-induced asthma (EIA), who reacted with subjective signs of EIA and a decrease in FEV1.0 [forced expiratory volume in 1 s] exceeding 10% after an exercise test. A test program (TP) including complete spirometry, bicycle ergometer and treadmill exercise tests preceded and followed by dynamic spirometry at 1 and 5 min after exercise, was performed before and after each treatment period. In 12 patients with sporadic medication before the trials, continuous peroral treatment with a combination of a .beta.2-stimulating drug and a xanthine derivative for 3 wk did not significantly improve TP data. In 13 children (6 from the above group) who were already on continuous treatment as above, addition of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) inhalations for 3-4 wk improved the response to acute administration of a .beta.-receptor stimulatory aerosol but did not influence EIA. Of the children 7 continued their DSCG treatment for 1 yr. Minor improvement of EIA provoked by cycling but not by treadmill was seen after this. The ventilatory effort in relation to working intensity was lowered. No significant differences were found between treadmill running and cycling in provoking asthma.