Exercise-induced asthma occurs when your airways restrict during physical activity. According to MayoClinic.com, mucous production also increases, making breathing even more difficult. Although exercise is an important part of your personal well-being, exercise-induced asthma may make many sufferers cease efforts to lead a physically fit life. However, there are options to prevent this form of asthma.
Environment
Depending on the type of exercise you are accustomed to, environmental factors are still just as important as the actual activity itself. Factors such as mold and pet dander worsen your risk of having exercise-induced asthma attacks indoors, while cold, dry weather is a common culprit during outdoor activity. According to MayoClinic.com, exercising in a warm, humid environment will help prevent attacks. Outdoor humidity keeps allergens to a minimum, especially when outdoor pollen triggers breathing problems. Covering your nose and mouth during colder months will also help you breathe easier.
Pre-Workout
Before starting any physical activity, your muscles require warming up. This includes your lungs and airways. MayoClinic.com suggests warming up for 15 minutes before any strenuous workout. This includes deep-breathing exercises and stretching to open airways and prevent lung restriction. Breathing properly is important. To start, breathe in through your nose to warm the air being carried to your lungs, then slowly exhale through your mouth.
Medications
Medications are sometimes prescribed to individuals who have a more serious problem with exercise-induced asthma. According to PubMed, a 1992 study conducted by the Department of Thoracic Medicine, King's College Hospital, London shows treatment with inhaled salmeterol xinafoate prevents exercise-induced asthma for up to nine hours. These results were noted in all 13 test subjects receiving salmeterol xinafoate through means of inhalation.
Inhalant Triggers
Breathing method is important to preventing exercise-induced asthma, however, equally important is what you breathe in. Cigarette smoke, pollen, harsh fumes and mold are just as damaging. As you exercise, you may be unaware of these triggers inside or outside your home or gym. According to KeepKidsHealthy.com, stopping smoking and avoiding use of strong air fresheners or cleaning agents may mean all the difference in controlling asthma attacks. Also, keeping windows closed and indoor humidity low will prevent allergen formation inside your home or gym.
Considerations
Exercise-induced asthma is not something that just shows up unannounced. Those who are more susceptible to the effects of this breathing disorder may have warning signs already. According to MayoClinic.com, people who suffer other forms of asthma or hay fever are at higher risk for exercise-induced asthma. Genetics and age are also to blame as asthma is passed down from one generation to the next, while children are more prone to breathing problems. Weight control also combats exercise-induced asthma, because more obese patients have shown exercise-induced asthma symptoms as a result of excess weight.
