Other pharmacologic agents that may affect bronchial hyperreactivity.

Although most asthmatic athletes can be adequately controlled by beta-adrenergic agents, sodium cromolyn, and/or theophylline, a few do not tolerate these medications or have suboptimal results. Cromolyn-like antiallergic drugs, newer antihistamine, antiserotonin, and antileukotriene agents as well as calcium channel blockers, antimuscarinics , alpha-adrenergic blockers, and new steroid preparations may be suitable for these individuals. Although efficacy has been demonstrated for a number of these new agents, much work remains to be done to evaluate thoroughly their potential pharmacologic effectiveness in exercise-induced asthma.