Exercise-induced asthma appears after sufferers exercise vigorously, especially in dry and cold air. A patient generally experiences this condition about 10 minutes after she stops exercising. Young adults and children are most commonly affected by exercise-induced asthma, which typically manifests itself with coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Symptoms gradually subside. Exercise-induced asthma patients usually do not need long-term medical intervention, although some patients also experience typical asthma.
Risk Factors
Certain risk factors make you more susceptible to exercise-induced asthma. You are at risk if you have asthma or allergies, have a blood relative with asthma or are obese. Your risk rises if you live in an urban area with more potential air pollution, are exposed to cigarette smoke or work in a chemical-laden environment. Vigorous cold-weather sports, such as ice hockey or cross-country skiing, put you into higher-risk situations as well.
Treatment Medications
Preventive medications help forestall an exercise-induced asthma attack, rescue drugs provide relief, and controller medications help control your condition. Medicines are taken orally or inhaled for immediate effect. Recommended drugs include allergy medicines to help prevent an asthma episode. Bronchodilators open your lungs' air passages, help you breathe more easily and may keep your attack from worsening. Steroids also open your air passages. Other medications help reduce lung swelling, notes Drugs.com.
Physiological Modifications
Modify your exercise behaviors to maximize your chances of an asthma-free workout. The American Council on Exercise recommends that you stay at the lower end of your target heart-rate range, and utilize intervals for short bursts of higher-intensity activity. Maintain good hydration, as this decreases mucus buildup in your airways and reduces your risk of an attack. Breathe in deeply through your nose, and exhale thoroughly through your mouth.
Prevention
Develop tactics that may prevent exercise-induced asthma. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommends that you warm up before vigorous exercise to reduce your chances of post-workout chest constriction. Winding down your workout with jogging and stretching may also help. Do not exercise with viral infections or when outside temperatures are very cold. Forego your workout if you are prone to allergies and if pollen or pollution levels are elevated.
Warning
Do not ignore possible exercise-induced asthma symptoms because you believe your condition will resolve itself. Asthma of any type is a potentially life-threatening condition that can quickly cause a medical emergency. See a physician immediately for diagnosis and treatment of your symptoms.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asthma in Adults: Symptoms: Exercise-Induced Asthma
- MayoClinic.com: Exercise-Induced Asthma: Risk Factors
- Drugs.com: Exercise-Induced Asthma: How Is Exercise-Induced Asthma Treated?
- American Council on Exercise: Exercise and Asthma: Exercising With Asthma
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: Get Exercise-Induced Asthma Under Control: What Are Treatments for EIA?
