Exercise-induced asthma: is there space for late-phase reactions?

Exercise challenge provokes bronchoconstriction in the majority of asthmatics. The reaction is particularly frequent in childhood, with an estimated prevalence of 70– 90% in asthmatic children, because of the high level of physical activity in this age group [1, 2]. Bronchoconstriction is maximal 5–10 min after the challenge and tends to a complete recovery within 30–90 min, depending on the degree of the initial response. Although the topic has been extensively published, there are still diverse opinions about the existence of an exercise-induced late asthmatic response.