Testing for Exercise-Induced Asthma
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A simple test for diagnosing exercise-induced asthma—previously performed on elite athletes—may now be ready for diagnosing the condition in the general public, according to a study done by the Ohio State Medical Center. The test involves forcing a patient to hyperventilate in a controlled setting for six minutes and then measuring lung function to see whether or not it decreased due to the stress. Until now, only elite athletes have been tested for exercise-induced asthma, but many people who are starting off 2010 with a new exercise regimen could be suffering from it, as well. If you notice wheezing, coughing, or a tightness in your chest when exercising, you should stop immediately. Also, know that the winter cold or chemicals used in a pool can make things worse.
— Lisa Lombardi