Exercise-induced asthma is a condition characterized by the onset of asthma-related symptoms such as airway constriction and excessive mucus production during or after exercise. Some, but not all, individuals who develop this condition also experience asthma symptoms in other circumstances. Pregnant women can develop exercise-induce asthma if they don't take certain precautions while exercising.
Definition
Exercise-induced asthma is also known as exercise-induced bronchospasm. In addition to airway constriction and mucus production, common symptoms of the disorder include chest pain or tightness, unexpected fatigue during exercise, coughing, wheezing and subpar performance during athletic activities. In some cases, you can develop these symptoms shortly after beginning an exercise session. In other cases, your symptoms might not appear until a few minutes after you finish exercising. Some people develop symptoms of exercise-induced asthma both during and after physical exertion.
Pregnancy and Asthma
Asthma can affect pregnant women in a variety of ways, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center. Some women experience no change in their asthma symptoms during pregnancy, whereas others experience a substantial worsening of existing symptoms. In addition, some women actually see an improvement in their symptoms during pregnancy. If you have asthma, be aware that pregnancy will significantly increase your oxygen requirements. The presence of uncontrolled asthma during pregnancy can directly affect your developing child by decreasing your available oxygen supply.
Pregnancy and Exercise
If you are pregnant and have asthma, you should only exercise under your doctor's supervision, the Canadian Lung Association advises. Typically, you need to moderate the intensity of your exercise routine and closely follow the instructions for any asthma medications you currently take. In some cases, you may develop asthma symptoms even after following all prudent prevention guidelines. If you are pregnant and have not previously experienced an asthma attack, ask your doctor for advice on how to spot the signs of an attack before you begin an exercise program.
Contributing Factors
Exercising in certain conditions can increase your risks for developing asthma symptoms. Common contributing factors include low humidity; cold air; inhalation of indoor or outdoor pollutants such as dust, smoke, ozone, automobile exhaust or smog; and inhalation of common allergens such as ragweed, pollen or grass. You also increase you asthma risks if you exercise during or shortly after a respiratory illness or during periods of emotional stress or physical fatigue.
Considerations
If you have overall control of your asthma, you can significantly decrease your chances for the development of exercise-induced asthma, the Canadian Lung Association reports. Conversely, poor control of your asthma increases your exercise-related risks. If you are pregnant and you experience an asthma attack during a workout, stop exercising immediately and take any medication your doctor has prescribed. Seek emergency help if your medication proves ineffective, if you experience a worsening of symptoms, if your symptoms are unusually severe or if you notice decreased movement in your developing child. Consult your doctor for more information on asthma and pregnancy.
