Pediatria pre prax 2/2011

Exercise induced bronchoconstriction in children and young people

Respiratory symptoms related to physical activity, mostly sport activities are reported by substantial percentage of patients with asthma and individuals without asthma as well. Symptom history alone has a low specificity and therapy based exclusively on symptoms will be inappropriate in half of the cases. Thus every patient requires a broader differential diagnosis and objective confirmation of bronchoconstriction by a challenge pulmonary function testing. Exercise induce bronchoconstriction can be effectively treated by pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management. The aim is to allow children and young people to continue in regular exercise and encourage a healthy life-style.

Keywords: asthma, exercise induced bronchoconstriction, diagnosis, therapy.