Effect of Mouth Breathing on Exercise Induced Bronchoconstriction.

Introduction: Exercise induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a common finding in the pediatric population with and without asthma. EIB is suspected with a drop of 10-15% in Forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (FEV1) during exercise challenge test (ECT). Some researchers assume that oral breathing, in several mechanisms, increase hyper-responsiveness of the airways. Aim: Asses the effect of a nose clip and allergic rhinitis in EIB. Hypothesis: The use of a nose clip in exercise challenges will increase the rate of positive tests. However, we assume that children with symptomatic allergic rhinitis will not demonstrate similar trends. Methods: A prospective, single center cohort study in a pediatric pulmonology institute, at Ruth's children hospital, Rambam medical center, Haifa, Israel. Children referred for ECT will be registered to the study and will be evaluated in two separate visits. Visit 1 - ECT with a nose clip and visit 2 - ECT without a nose clip. Demographic and clinical data and measurements of serial vital signs, exercise data and lung functions will be taken, as well as Total Nasal Symptoms Score (TNSS) and Asthma Control Test (ACT) questionnaires.