Exercise induced asthma in 10% of the society: IJCP

PRLog (Press Release) - Feb. 6, 2013 - Exercise-induced asthma means narrowing of the airway that occurs with exercise. More than 10% percent of the general population and up to 90 percent of persons previously diagnosed with asthma, have exercise-induced asthma, said Padmashri and Dr B C Roy National Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal, Editor in Chief IJCP and Vice President Elect National IMA.

Quoting a study published in Indian Journal of Clinical practice Dr Aggarwal said that common symptoms of exercise induced asthma include coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness with exercise. Many athletes may present only with non-specific symptoms, such as fatigue and impaired performance.

Non drug treatment options include avoiding known triggers, choosing sports with low minute ventilation, warming up before exercising, and wearing a heat exchange mask in cold weather.

Short-acting beta2 agonists are recommended first-line agents although leukotriene receptor antagonists or inhaled corticosteroids with or without long-acting beta2 agonists may be needed in refractory cases.

If symptoms persist despite treatment, alternative diagnoses such as cardiac or other pulmonary etiologies, vocal cord dysfunction, or anxiety should be considered.

About the author: Padmashri & Dr. B.C. Roy National Awardee, Dr. KK Aggarwal is a

Senior Consultant, Physician, Cardiologist at Delhi based Moolchand Medcity; President

Heart Care Foundation of India; Chairman Ethical Committee Delhi Medical Council and has

served as the Research and Academic Wing Heads of National Indian Medical Association.