Asthma is a form of lung disease that affects as many as 20 million people in the United States, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). The airways in the chest become inflamed and narrow during an asthma attack and make breathing difficult. Some people only experience asthma-like symptoms when they exercise, a condition called runners' asthma or exercise-induced asthma (EIA). People with EIA may be taught new strategies to use when exercising to control their uncomfortable and potentially dangerous symptoms.
Breathing Difficulty
People with runners asthma usually begin to experience breathing difficulties within a few minutes of beginning their workout, but some athletes may not show symptoms until they are finished exercising. The AAAAI explains that some of the breathing issues stem from drawing cold air into the lungs by breathing through the mouth, a practice that is common in recreational runners and other athletes. When air is breathed in through the nose, it becomes warmer before reaching the lungs. Wheezing is common in people who have runners' asthma.
Chest Pain
Chest pain is a sign of exercise-induced asthma, especially when the pain accompanies wheezing or shortness of breath. The pain may be sharp or may feel tight, as if the chest is being squeezed. Like the breathing issues that are characteristic of runners' asthma, chest pain may begin within 5 to 15 minutes after physical exertion.
Coughing
The irritation of the lungs that is defined as EIA may cause coughing either while a person is exercising or after he has finished his workout. Warming up with gentle stretching before going on a long run or participating in sports, along with the use of a medicated inhaler may help the coughing and other symptoms of exercise-induced asthma subside.
