The effects of cromolyn sodium on the airway response to hyperpnea and cold air in asthma.

In order to determine if cromolyn sodium provided protection against the marked bronchoconstriction that develops when the hyperpnea of exercise is combined with frigid air, we exposed a group of asymptomatic asthmatics to this stimulus, with and without pretreatment with this drug. Respiratory heat loss and retrotracheal and retrocardiac esophageal temperatures were measured during each challenge, and multiple aspects of pulmonary mechanics were recorded before commencement and after completion. The results demonstrated that, unlike anticholinergic agents, cromolyn sodium attenuates the obstructive response observed with these large thermal burdens, and does so without affecting airway cooling.