Other Services
Pediatric Exercise Challenge
Used to diagnose exercise induced asthma

The pediatric exercise challenge is a test that includes spirometry (or the measurement of lung capacity), lung volumes and spirometry repeated after exercise and a bronchodilator is given to the patient.

What You Should Know
Patients should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled test and check in with St. Rita's Cardiopulmonary Department. This area is located on the second floor of the Medical Center to the left of the main elevators.

Prior to the pediatric exercise challenge, patients should know the following:

  • Do Not Use the Following Inhalers for at least Four to Six Hours Before the Test:
    • Albuterol
    • Proventil
    • Ventolin
    • Alupent
    • Maxair
    • Brethaire
    • Atrovent
    • Combivent
  • Do Not Use Serevent or Advair Inhalers for at least 12 Hours Before the Test. (If you are unable to go this amount of time without your inhaler, please make a note of the last time you
    used it.)
  • No Caffeine (Coffee, Cola, Tea or Chocolate) for at least Six Hours Before the Test
  • No Smoking or Alcohol the Day of the Test
  • You May Eat a Light Meal Before the Test if You Choose
  • Avoid Cold Air Exposure and Exercise if Possible
  • Wear Comfortable Clothing and Running Shoes
During the Test
This test should take about 30 minutes to complete. The patient will be ask to wear nose clips and breathe through a special mouthpiece as directed by the technologist. After obtaining baseline measurements, the patient will begin exercising either on a treadmill or bicycle. The breathing tests will again be repeated. Finally, an inhaled bronchodilator will be administered and the breathing tests will be repeated.

A specially trained physician will interpret the test within 24 hours and send the results to the referring physician.

For More Information
(419) 226-9169
Map & Directions Map & Directions

 

Scheduling:
The pediatric exercise challenge must be ordered by a physician. To schedule an appointment contact
St. Rita’s Central Scheduling at
(419) 226-9056 Monday through Friday from
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Appointment times are available Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.