Bronchospasms due to activity can occur with or without asthma. Your risk of experiencing this condition is higher if you have asthma, but an assumption of asthma based on this occurrence is incorrect. There are a number of triggers that can increase the spasms, which decrease the size of the airway. Knowing the triggers and the available treatment options can allow you to function at a more optimal lung capacity.
Definition
Exercise refers to cardiovascular activity that increases your rate of breathing. Bronchospasm is a narrowing of your airway tubes that creates difficulty with breathing. Bronchospasm may occur both during and after exercise.
Symptoms
Your symptoms may range from mild to severe, and can include tiredness, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation. The most common symptom of exercise-induced asthma, which increases your risk of exercise-induced bronchospasm, is coughing.
Diagnosis
Lung-function testing can be done by a physician to obtain a definitive diagnosis regarding your difficulty with breathing during exercise. According to Netwellness, "a eucapnic voluntary hyperventilation (EVH) test is one of several tests used to diagnose EIB. It is performed by breathing a mixture of dry air (oxygen/carbon dioxide) very fast into a breathing machine that measures the air going into and out of the lungs." A peak flow meter is a typical form of breathing measurement, with readings taken before, during and after exercise to determine lung function.
Treatment
Bronchospasms caused by exercise may be treated with a variety of medicine prescribed by your physician. The use of inhalers can be an effective form of treatment. Identifying specific triggers, such as difficulty running during extreme cold or increased trouble breathing during particular seasons, will allow you to avoid these situations.
Misconceptions
Difficulty with breathing during exercise is commonly attributed to asthma. If you have difficulty breathing during exercise that does not improve with conditioning, seek the advice of a medical professional who can determine an accurate diagnosis for you. Specific treatment options can then be determined, allowing you to return to a normal functional level.
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