Published Paper Details:

Background: Exercise-Induced Asthma (EIA), also known as Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB), is characterized by transient airway narrowing occurring during or after physical activity. It is commonly observed in children and adolescents and may significantly affect their participation in physical activities, overall fitness, and quality of life. Early identification is essential to prevent long-term respiratory complications and promote active lifestyles among school-going children. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 151 school-going children aged 12-17 years in Nashik city using purposive sampling. Participants without a prior diagnosis of asthma were included. Baseline vital parameters and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) were recorded, followed by a 1-mile run test. Post-exercise PEFR measurements were taken at 2, 3, and 5 minutes. A reduction of more than 10% in PEFR from baseline was considered indicative of EIA. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with quantitative data expressed as mean and standard deviation and qualitative data as percentages. Results: The mean pre-exercise PEFR was 263 L/min, which decreased to 205 L/min at 2 minutes post-exercise, followed by gradual recovery to 248 L/min at 5 minutes. The study revealed that 42.4% of participants exhibited clinically significant EIA. Among them, 57.6% had mild, 38.4% moderate, and 4% severe bronchoconstriction. Male participants demonstrated higher PEFR values compared to females across all time points. The mean percentage fall in PEFR was 26.8%, indicating notable variability in post-exercise airway response. Conclusion: The study demonstrates a high prevalence of exercise-induced asthma among school-going children in Nashik. The findings highlight the importance of early screening using simple tools like PEFR, along with increased awareness and implementation of preventive strategies in school health programs to ensure timely diagnosis and management.