If you have asthma and are trying to exercise, you may find that it triggers your attacks. You may experience coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue. In some cases, it is also possible for people without asthma to experience attacks set off by exercise. The first step is to determine what activities and situations cause your attacks. Then you can work with your health care team to find treatment options to help you manage your condition.
Identification
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, if you have exercise-induced asthma (EIA), you will experience attacks approximately five to 20 minutes after your workout. This happens because your airways are extremely sensitive to temperature changes and changes in humidity levels. Attacks can be triggered when breathing cold and dry air. If you believe you have EIA, your doctor can perform tests to diagnose your condition and offer treatment options.
Considerations
One option in treatment is to modify or change your workout routine to help manage your attacks. This includes switching to activities that are less likely to set off your asthma. Swimming is often a good option because you are exercising in warm moist air; the water tends to relax the muscles, and being in a horizontal position may make breathing easier and cut down on mucus buildup in the lungs.
Types
Treatment options for exercise-induced asthma include making changes to the way you work out and using medications where appropriate. This includes using deep yoga breathing exercises while working out. Yoga breathing encourages you to breathe deeply through your nose. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology states that this is key since the nasal passage is better suited to warm and process the air you inhale. As you switch from mouth breathing to nasal breathing, you will find that your lungs become less irritated while exercising. In addition, using medications can also help to manage symptoms when lifestyle changes are not enough. If your current medication is not effectively managing your symptoms, ask your physician to try a different one.
Time Frame
If your asthma attacks are not severe, you can take medication prior to exercise that will help to manage symptoms for up to six hours. Medications can also be used after you exercise if your symptoms become worse. If this approach does not work, your doctor may try a daily asthma treatment medication to help control your symptoms.
Benefits
Using a combination of the above treatment options will help you learn to stay active while managing your condition. Since being overweight can increase your asthma symptoms, regular exercise is essential to hep maintain a healthy weight. In addition, aerobic exercise strengthens your respiratory muscles, which will also help to calm your symptoms.
Prevention/Solution
According to the American Lung Association, the best treatment for exercise-induced asthma is prevention. It recommends that you avoid exercise if you are having any difficult breathing before your start. Warming up and cooling down after your workout will also help cut down on your symptoms.
