Asthma affects more than 20 million Americans and is caused by the inflammation of airways in the lungs, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. When the airways are inflamed, they become smaller and impede the flow of air into and out of the lungs. In addition to allergies, one of the most common causes for asthma is exercise. Exercise-induced asthma displays the following symptoms: coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, fatigue during exercise, wheezing, and poor athletic performance. According to MayoClinic.com, there are several risk factors associated with exercise-induced asthma if the attack is severe or left untreated.
Emergency Medical Care
When left untreated, or the exercise induced asthma attack is severe, an individual might need emergency medical attention. If the following symptoms are present, then you should call 9-1-1 should: trouble breathing or talking, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, difficulties walking, severe chest pain or severe neck pain.
Permanent Narrowing of Bronchial Tubes
Bronchial tubes are large delicate tubes that transport air into the lungs after the air has come through the mouth or nose, according to the University of Southern California School of Medicine. If the exercise induced asthma attack is severe or left untreated, it can cause a permanent narrowing of the bronchial tubes. This damage is irreversible and can lead to future breathing difficulties and potential organ damage from lack of oxygen.
Poor Athletic Performance
Exercise-induced asthma can seriously impair an individual's athletic performance. Some common performance issues resulting from exercise-induced asthma include the inability to keep up with others or to participate in athletics during allergy seasons, feeling lethargic and out of shape, experiencing fatigue quickly and inability to perform physical activities involving extreme exertion such as power lifting.
Preventing Exercise-induced Asthma
There's no way to prevent exercise induced asthma, according to MayoClinic.com. However, you can take steps to control the symptoms. Warm up before physical activities to allow your body to transition from non-active to active. Keep your mouth and nose covered if exercising in cold environments because the cold temperature can cause difficulties in breathing. Breathe through your nose so the air can become warmer before entering the lungs. Avoid allergens like pollen, pet dander or air pollution. Individuals should take their prescribed medications, like an inhaler, before participating in physical activities or if any symptoms arise.
