Exercise-Induced Asthma

Sep 16, 2018 | Asthma and Immunology

Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) testing helps determine how well a patient’s lung function is affected after exercise. It is a condition in which physical activity can trigger acute bronchospasms. It helps gain a better understanding for asthma’s relation to the work load on the heart.

Before testing please make sure to:

  1. Wear comfortable “workout” clothes; ex. T-shirt, tennis shoes, basketball shorts, sweatpants, sports bra for females (no wire bras)
  2. Have eaten a meal before testing, but meal must be consumed at least 2 hours prior to testing
  3. Do not consume any caffeinated beverages for at least 6 hours prior to testing
  4. Patient shall stop any asthma medications prior to testing (short-acting beta-2 agonists such as Albuterol/Xopenex should be stopped for at least 6 hours and combination asthma medications such as Advair, Symbicort and Dulera should be stopped for at least 48 hours or as advised

Prior to Exercise Challenge Testing the following will be performed:

  1. Pulmonary Function Test
  2. Height and weight will be noted
  3. Vitals will be measured
  4. A 10-Lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) will be performed to measure heart rhythm
  5. A Maximum Heart Rate will be calculated
  6. A Polar Heart Rate monitor will be hooked up around the chest

During exercise testing:

  1. Patient will jog/run on the treadmill for 4 minutes to elevate heart rate
  2. After 4 minutes, speed/incline will be increased to maintain a max heart for a duration of 6 minutes
  3. After 10-minute run is complete, a 30 second cool-down period will begin

After exercise is complete:

  1. Patient will rest for 90 seconds prior to beginning Pulmonary Function Testing
  2. Pulmonary Function Testing will be performed immediately after 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 45 minutes post running

From the results of this test, your Palos Verdes Medical Group physician should be able to determine whether or not you have exercise-induced asthma. With a proper diagnosis, your physician can create an asthma treatment plan that works best for you and your active lifestyle. To schedule an exercise-induced asthma test, please call our offices during our regular business hours or request an appointment on your patient portal.