What is an important factor to monitor during the exercise challenge test?

Monitoring heart rate and either peak expiratory flow (PEF) or forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) during an exercise challenge test is essential for assessing asthma control and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

During this test, individuals with asthma may experience changes in their airway responsiveness due to physical exertion. By tracking heart rate, healthcare providers can evaluate the body's cardiovascular response to exercise, while measuring PEF or FEV1 helps determine how well the lungs are functioning before and after the exercise. A significant drop in PEF or FEV1 can indicate exercise-induced asthma, allowing for appropriate adjustments in treatment or management plans.

In contrast, while blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and body temperature may be relevant in different clinical scenarios, they do not specifically provide the insights necessary for evaluating an exercise-induced response in asthma management.