The exercise provocation test determines whether your child has an exercise-induced airway narrowing. This test; It is performed in the presence of exercise-induced asthma (EIA) or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (also known as EIB). Seeing if the airways are narrowing during exercise; It can help diagnose and manage asthma.

How Is Exercise Provocation Test Done?

During the exercise provocation test, your child will exercise for about 10 minutes. Exercise intensity will be increased depending on your child’s heart rate response and aerobic capacity. Before exercising, at several time intervals during exercise, and after exercise, your child will be asked to blow vigorously into the spirometer, a device that measures lung capacity. By wearing a clip on your child’s nose and during exercise, their heart rate and oxygen saturation will be monitored.

How Do I Prepare My Child for the Exercise Provocation Test?

Your child should wear loose, comfortable clothing and sneakers for exercise. Make sure your child is not exercising at least four hours before the test or eating a heavy meal before the test. Before starting the exercise provocation; Your child should be able to perform respiratory function tests by blowing strongly into a spirometer. If they fail to perform respiratory function tests adequately, your doctor will cancel the provocation.

What Happens During the Exercise Provocation Test?

Before starting exercise, your child will blow vigorously into the spirometer, an instrument that measures lung capacity to determine basic lung function.

  • Your child will then run on the treadmill for about 10 minutes.
  • After getting off the treadmill, your child will rest for 5 minutes and then blow into the spirometer 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 minutes after exercising.
  • At any point during the spirometry test, if your child’s lung function drops to a certain level, your child’s respiratory therapist will prescribe albuterol. They will then wait 10 minutes and have your child breathe into the spirometer again.
  • If your child’s lung function has not reached a specific pre-workout spirometry level after 30 minutes, he or she will take albuterol.
  • After 10 minutes, your child will blow into the spirometer and measure lung function again to make sure it returns to a certain level before exercise. Your child’s doctor will be told if your child’s lung function has returned to a certain level before exercise.
  • The total test will take approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours to complete. A pediatric pulmonologist will then interpret the results and your child’s doctor will discuss the results with you.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Exercise Provocation Test?

In rare cases, your child may experience the following complications during or after the exercise test:

  • Fall
  • Heartbeat irregularities
  • Grunt
  • Shortness of breath

What Should I Do If I Have Questions About Exercise Provocation Test?

If you have questions about preparing your child for an exercise test or the procedure, contact your doctor.