Asthma is in the category of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. It is a condition that makes it hard to breathe. There are many causes and triggers for asthma, including pollutants, allergens, respiratory conditions, smoking and various underlying medical conditions. There is also a form of asthma caused by physical activity, which is called exercise induced asthma, or EIA. To fully manage this condition, it is important to learn what EIA is and what options are available for treatment.
Identification
Asthma is a chronic condition that cannot be cured; but it can be managed. Asthma occurs when the airways become narrow and swollen and produce excess mucus, states MayoClinic.com. This leads to symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort, trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing and fatigue. For some patients, symptoms are mild; for others, symptoms are so severe that they interfere with everyday activities. Each patient has different triggers that cause asthma attacks, and for some individuals, asthma symptoms occur in response to exercise.
Considerations
Why some patients experience asthma during exercise and others do not is still not well understood. In some cases, asthma symptoms only appear during a workout; other patients experience symptoms at other times as well, reports the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
EIA is diagnosed when asthma symptoms occur within five to 20 minutes after starting to exercise. A physician and allergist can run tests to determine whether symptoms are due to exercise induced asthma or another condition. To best manage this condition, it is important to seek medical attention at the first sign of symptoms.
Triggers
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology suggests learning what your personal triggers are and then taking steps to avoid them. Cold, dry air is a common trigger. Adding to this when exercising, many individuals breathe through their mouths. This means that the nasal passage is not warming and cleaning the air before it reaches the lungs. When cold, dry air hits the airways, asthma symptoms may occur.
Symptoms can also be worse in deconditioned individuals who try to work out beyond their personal fitness ability. This can stress the lungs and set off symptoms, as the lungs work to deliver the oxygen the body needs. For others, pollution, allergies and exercising with a cold or respiratory infection can also trigger exercise induced asthma.
Prevention/Solution
Taking steps to avoid triggers is an important part of treatment. To reduce the risk of an attack while working out, MedlinePlus recommends not exercising outside when the air is cold and dry, avoiding exercising outside when the air quality is poor due to pollution and learning to breathe through the nose during exercise. Covering the mouth with a scarf can help as well. Remember to warm up for several minutes before exercising more intensely and take time to cool down slowly to allow the body and lungs to adjust.
For some asthmatics, swimming is a good option because the warm moist air helps to reduce the risk of an attack. Learning deep yoga breathing exercises that are done through the nose can help to strengthen the lungs and teach nasal breathing, which can be done during yoga and while exercising.
Treatment
Along with avoiding triggers, medication may be required to help control symptoms. Regular exercise is very beneficial for asthmatics no matter what the cause, however, symptoms may prohibit working out. According to MedlinePlus, there are both quick-acting and long-acting medications that can help. Your doctor can decide which one is best for you. These medications can be taken before exercising to help control symptoms; making it possible to work out hard enough to gain benefits.
