Exercise-induced asthma.

Exercise-induced asthma can appear as one of many forms of airway hyperreactivity or as a unique clinical entity. Simple spirometry confirms the suspected clinical diagnosis in most instances, although more sensitive measurements of airway obstruction may be required. In general, the asthmatic need not restrict physical activity because of exercise-induced attacks. The disease responds well to prophylactic management with a wide variety of antiasthmatic agents, such as theophylline preparations, beta-agonists, and cromolyn sodium.