5 Things To Know About Exercise-Induced Asthma

Everyone experiences shortness of breath during exercise. However, some people experience asthma symptoms majorly during or after exercise. The airflow obstruction caused due to exercise is known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) or exercise-induced asthma. This breathing problem does not mean that people with asthma should avoid exercise altogether. A majority of people with asthma continue to remain active after asthma treatment with medicines and other preventive measures. Below are five crucial things about exercise-induced asthma to help people enjoy the benefits of exercise without experiencing asthma symptoms.

What Causes Exercise-Induced Asthma?

Exercise causes narrowing of the airways, known as bronchoconstriction. During exercise, our body demands more oxygen. Hence we tend to breathe faster and deeper. As we breathe deeper through our mouths, the air we inhale is drier and cooler from what we breathe through our noses. The air that reaches our lungs is not warm and humid, which is common when we breathe through the nose.

Increased inhalation of dry and cold air causes the airways to become narrow, thus blocking the flow of air, and making it hard to breathe. This condition is called bronchoconstriction. Exposure to cold, dry air is the main cause of exercise-induced asthma. Other asthma causes can be listed as follows:

• Exposure to pollution
• High pollen count
• High levels of smoke, strong fumes, and other irritants in the air
• Chlorine from swimming pools
• Endurance sports such as long-distance running, cycling, swimming or football, basketball
• A recent episode of cold

What Are the Symptoms of Exercise-Induced Asthma?

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) symptoms commonly don't occur immediately at the start of the exercise. People with EIB begin to experience discomfort during exercise, which aggravates 5 to 10 minutes after exercise. Asthma symptoms are often resolved in 20 to 30 minutes. Following are the most common symptoms of exercise-induced asthma:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness or pain
• Breathelessness
• Extreme fatigue during exercise.
• Poor athletic performance

How to Prevent Exercise-Induced Asthma?

In case of frequent symptoms of EIB, it's best to consult a doctor. Based on your asthma history, and after examining the breathing patterns before, during, and after exercise, the doctor provides a thorough plan of preventive measures of asthma causes.

With long-acting EIB, doctors prescribe medicines that need to be taken before exercise or after being exposed to an asthma trigger. Long-term control medicines, such as inhaled steroids, are also prescribed for asthma treatment. Some of these medications may include— albuterol, short-acting beta-agonists, inhaled corticosteroids, and leukotriene modifiers, among others.

What Are the Best Exercises for People With Asthma?

With proper asthma treatment and guidance, people with asthma symptoms can lead a healthy and active life and have no problem choosing a sport. Consider light exercises such as easy walking, jogging, golf.

Other activities that can be performed with intermittent periods of exertion include volleyball, gymnastics, and wrestling. People with asthma may also consider hockey, basketball, and swimming after consulting their physician.

Easy Tips for Dealing with Exercise-Induced Asthma?

Asthma causes can be reduced with regular exercise. It is necessary for people with asthma to exercise as much as they can. Following are some helpful tips to improve the quality of life—

• Take quick-relief medicine before exercising
• Warm-up for 6 to 10 minutes before exercise to prevent chest tightening
• Always keep a quick-relief medication handy. Ask your doctor for an asthma action plan to know exactly what to do in case of an attack while exercising
• Cover your mouth or nose with a scarf while exercising in cold, dry weather
• Breathe through the nose during exercise and take frequent rests
• Stop exercising if symptoms begin to show and take quick-relief medicine as prescribed
• Keep a watch on the respiratory status before, during, and after exercise
• Inform teachers and other school authorities of children with asthma, so that they are given medication before activities

Good health and staying fit are important for everyone. Asthma should not stop you from engaging in activities and regular exercise. You can lead a healthy, fulfilling life by excelling in several sports without experiencing asthma symptoms.

Looking to understand exercising and asthma in detail? Read more about it here - Exercise and Asthma: Facts You Should Know.

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