https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6284-053X
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Abstract
Background
Environmental interactions are very complex in childhood asthma, and we hypothesized that even a short-term exposure to an allergy safe outdoor environment (AllSOE) combined with pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP) could exert significant beneficial effects. Our aim was to test the effects of 2-week PRP provided in an AllSOE in children with mild to moderate asthma.
Methods
110 children (aged 7.5–17 years, 46% girls), with partially or totally controlled asthma, attended the PRP at the Island of Lošinj (Croatia) supervised by a multidisciplinary team (pediatric pulmonologist, sports medicine specialist, physiotherapist and kinesiologist). Each child had an adjusted intensity of physical activity with at least 2 h of exercise per day. Body height and weight, spirometry, fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), running distance during free running test (FRT) and the decline in lung function after FRT (exercise-induced bronchoconstriction- EIB) were measured at baseline and after PRP.
Results
A significant improvement in running distance (from 903 ± 272 m to 968 ± 289 m; p < 0.001), a decrease of FeNO (from 37 ± 32 ppb to 25 ± 17 ppb; p < 0.001) were determined after PRP. There were no significant changes in lung function and EIB, except EIB in the fourth quartile (significant EIB at baseline) where EIB significantly decreased (p < 0.001) after PRP.
Conclusion
Two weeks of PRP in an AllSOE significantly improved exercise capacity and reduced airway inflammation and airway hyperreactivity showing that even a short-term PRP within a proper environment could be effective and affordable management strategy for children and adolescents with mild to moderate asthma.
Disclosure statement
The authors report no conflict of interest.