1. Exercise as a Trigger
Exercise is a common trigger of asthma and may induce flare-ups in people who never otherwise suffer from them. The main causes are cold and dry air inhaled into the lungs leading to swelling of the lungs' airways and increased production of mucus. The swelling and mucus block the airways making it more difficult to breathe. Symptoms of exercise-induced asthma include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, fatigue, and tightness in the chest.
2. How Out of Breath Are You?
A person who is out of shape can usually catch his breath after a few minutes. A person who suffers from exercise-induced asthma will take much longer to recover. If you notice you are having a particularly hard time catching your breath when it is cold, dry, or the local pollution is worse than usual, you may have asthma. If you think this might be the case, see your health care provider for a thorough examination.
3. Analyze Your Triggers
Exercise-induced asthma is best controlled when triggers of the symptoms are identified. Once you know what causes your attacks you can work with your health care provider to control and eliminate these triggers. Think about when you experience asthma symptoms. Often symptoms are worst during intense exercise in cold, dry air or when air quality is poor. Write down your surrounding conditions before and during an attack and the symptoms you experience during an attack and bring this list to your next doctor appointment.
4. Make Changes in Your Workout
Once you understand what causes your symptoms to appear, you can start making changes to your exercise routine that avoid these triggers. This may include knowing in which conditions you should stop exercising or avoid exercising altogether. If cold air triggers your asthma, then on cold days dress warmly or exercise indoors. Warming up slowly before strenuous exercise can also minimize symptoms, as can getting in better shape. While being in better shape doesn't necessarily mean your asthma will go away, in general people with exercise-induced asthma are encouraged to continue exercising in more controlled ways instead of giving up all physical activity. When you experience a flare up, do not start exercising again until your symptoms completely subside.
5. Know the Meds
Medications exist that can prevent asthma attacks. Often the same medications are used for treating exercised-induced asthma as standard asthma, including inhaled bronchodilators which are used before you begin exercising. Rescue medications are taken once an asthma attack begins. Never self-medicate. If you experience asthma symptoms during or after exercising, see your doctor before taking any medication. If your medication isn't working, consult with your doctor in case your dosage needs to be altered. Devise an asthma emergency plan so that you know what to if in the case of an attack. If your asthma symptoms persist, seek medical help immediately.
