Authors' recommendations: Given the small number of studies comparing EIB/EIA diagnostic tests, the heterogeneity of the study populations, and the varied study methodologies, there is no clear evidence that any of the index tests are a suitable replacement for a standardized ECT to diagnose EIB/EIA in the general population. All bronchodilator agents and most anti-inflammatory agents when used as pre-treatment are somewhat effective in attenuating the percent fall FEV1 associated with EIA. There is evidence that the protective effect of LABA and SABA decreases with the daily use of these drugs. There is no evidence of an attenuating benefit following single-dose pre-treatment with ICS. There is a role for LTRA and MCS; however, the attenuation appears less than with bronchodilator agents. Finally, pre-exercise interval warmup appears to be effective in attenuating the FEV1 falls associated with EIA.

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK44508/pdf/TOC.pdf

Year Published: 2010

URL for published report: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/tp/eibeiatp.htm

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Contact Address: Center for Outcomes and Evidence Technology Assessment Program, 540 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. Tel: +1 301 427 1610; Fax: +1 301 427 1639;

Contact Name: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov

Contact Email: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov

Copyright: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)