Font Size

Exercise-Induced Asthma (cont.)

Medications

Inhaled, short-acting beta2-agonist bronchodilators are the medications most often used to prevent asthma attacks in exercise-induced asthma.

Use 2-4 puffs 5-30 minutes before exercising. The medication works best if taken just before exercising.
This class of drugs is chemically related to adrenaline, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands.
Inhaled beta2-agonists work rapidly (within minutes) to open the breathing passages. They relax the muscles of the breathing passages, dilating the passages and decreasing the resistance to exhaled airflow, making it easier to breathe.
They are effective in about 80-90% of people with exercise-induced asthma.
The effects last as long as 4-6 hours.
They have no effect on the underlying cause of the asthma attack.
They can also be used to relieve symptoms if an attack occurs.
Side effects include rapid heartbeat and shakiness.
Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) is the most frequently used beta2-agonist medication.

A longer-acting (12-hour) beta2-agonist inhaler is also available. This is more convenient for some people. For example, a child can use the long-acting inhaler before going to school in the morning to prevent an asthma attack during physical education class or recess.

For more information about other medications used to treat asthma, click here.