Exercise-induced asthma is a condition that starts soon after vigorous physical activity. Allergies can contribute to the onset of the asthma attack. If you suffer from exercise-induced asthma and are experiencing itchy ears, there are several possible explanations.
Symptoms
When you suffer from exercise-induced asthma, you can start coughing and wheezing shortly after starting aerobic exercise or as long as 15 minutes after the activity. You become tired with chest tightness with extended shortness of breath. Bronchodilators are prescribed to open the airways making breathing easier within seconds. According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise-induced asthma is often triggered with cold, dry air or as you breath in pollutants or pollen in the air.
Environmental Allergens
If you are experiencing itchy ears and scalp prior to an asthma episode being triggered, it is possible that there is an allergen in the air to which you are susceptible. The body reacts to allergens by releasing histamines into the bloodstream to fight what the body perceives as a threat. Itchy ears may indicate something that can trigger an asthma attack during exercise but is not always associated with the asthma.
Medication Allergens
You can have an allergic reaction to your bronchodilator prescription that leads to itchy ears after inhaling your medication. In the same fashion as an air allergen, you may have sensitivity to the inhalers. This is a rare side effect that should be discussed with your doctor immediately.
Considerations
Exercise-induced asthma is a treatable condition with the proper medication. Work with your doctor to find a prescription that doesn't have any adverse side effects. If your exercise-induced asthma is allergy related, ask your doctor for specific treatments for allergy-induced asthma events, such as omalizumab, nasal sprays and allergy shots.
Prevention
There are some methods suggested by the Mayo Clinic to reduce onset of asthma events. A slow warm-up for 15 minutes allows your lungs to get acclimated slowly to the environment. Use a scarf or other throat and nasal wrap to help warm air as you breath it in, reducing the risk of cold shocking the lungs. Breath through your nose and try to work out in humid environments.
