Exercise induced asthma (EIA) is a typical clinical development seen in asthmatic children. Hyperventilation induced airway heat loss and evaporative water loss are two of the recognized triggering factors. Since the relationship between cold air and the development of asthmatic symptoms is well known, many doctors advise their patients to avoid winter sports.
　We monitored 15 asthmatic children (aged 4 to 15 years) and 5 control children while they were ice skating. Peak expiratory flow rates were measured before starting to exercise and after 30 minutes of skating. We found no remarkable change in peak expiratory rates until after 60 minutes of exercise. Three patients in the study group had mild asthmatic symptoms following skating. These children had previously suffered from severe asthma, and had been discharged within the previous month. We conclude from this study that many patients could enjoy this type of exercise, but that patients with severe disease should rest after 15 minutes of play.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.2/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE