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Combining a β 2 ‐agonist with a face mask to prevent exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction
Author(s) -
Millqvist E.,
Bengtsson U.,
Löwhagen O.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.363
H-Index - 173
eISSN - 1398-9995
pISSN - 0105-4538
DOI - 10.1034/j.1398-9995.2000.00558.x
Subject(s) - bronchoconstriction , premedication , agonist , medicine , provocation test , anesthesia , asthma , bronchodilator , receptor , alternative medicine , pathology
Background : In this study, we aimed to test the effect of combining a β 2 ‐agonist with a heat‐ and moisture‐exchanging cellulose face mask in patients with bronchoconstriction induced by exercise in cold air. Methods : Nine allergic, asthmatic patients with a history of adverse reaction to exercise were tested on an ergometric bicycle at a temperature of approximately −10°C. They were in turn given no treatment, given premedication with a β 2 ‐agonist, allowed to breathe through a heat‐ and moisture‐exchanging cellulose face mask, and given both premedication and the face mask. After each treatment regimen, they were subjected to provocation with exercise and cold air. Results : The decrease in FEV 1 was greatest with no therapy (mean maximal change: 27%), and this diminished when the face mask was used (mean maximal change: 12%) or premedication with a β 2 ‐agonist was given (mean maximal change: 7%); no decrease in FEV 1 occurred with the combination of agonist and face mask. Conclusions : The results suggest that different mechanisms are involved in the pathophysiology of exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). This finding may be of importance for asthmatic athletes who train and compete in a cold climate and are affected by small changes in their lung function.