In a child with exercise induced asthma, which is done ?
**Core Concept**
Exercise-induced asthma is a condition where asthma symptoms are triggered by physical activity, leading to airway constriction and inflammation. The underlying pathophysiology involves cold air drying the airways, leading to increased mucus production and airway hyperresponsiveness. Treatment aims to prevent these symptoms by using medications that relax airway smooth muscle and reduce inflammation.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In exercise-induced asthma, a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) is the first-line treatment. SABAs work by stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the airway smooth muscle, leading to bronchodilation and relaxation of the airway muscles. This allows for increased airflow and reduces symptoms of asthma. Common examples of SABAs include albuterol and levalbuterol.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is not a correct treatment for exercise-induced asthma. While corticosteroids can reduce inflammation in asthma, they are not the first-line treatment for acute symptoms triggered by exercise.
* **Option B:** Anticholinergic medications, such as ipratropium bromide, can be used in combination with SABAs for severe asthma symptoms, but they are not the primary treatment for exercise-induced asthma.
* **Option C:** Cromolyn sodium is a mast cell stabilizer that can be used to prevent asthma symptoms, but it is not effective for acute symptoms triggered by exercise.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember that exercise-induced asthma symptoms can be prevented with a short-acting beta-2 agonist 15-30 minutes before exercise, and that a peak expiratory flow meter can be used to monitor symptoms and adjust treatment as needed.
**Correct Answer: C. Cromolyn sodium is a mast cell stabilizer that can be used to prevent asthma symptoms, but it is not effective for acute symptoms triggered by exercise.