Exercise-Induced Shortness of Breath (Exertional Dyspnea)
In children, exertional dyspnea is an inability to comfortably breathe during exercise when compared with:
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Other children of the same age and size or
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A child’s previous experience.
Asthma, which affects over 10% of Denver’s children, is the most common cause of exertional dyspnea in children. There are many other causes of exertional dyspnea in children.
If children do not completely respond to asthma therapy as a treatment for exertional dyspnea, we recommend a thorough evaluation by a pediatric breathing and exercise specialist.
More information on shortness of breath (dyspnea)
This information has been approved by Tod Olin, MD (March 2012).