Asthma is a respiratory condition in which the airways become constricted, making it difficult to breathe. Exercise is one of many potential asthma triggers, along with mold, pollen, certain foods and irritants like cigarette smoke. For some people, exposure to cold, dry air can increase symptoms when exercising. Understanding the connection between exercise, cold weather and asthma allows you to enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle while minimizing the risk of acute attacks.
Causes
While the actual cause of asthma is not well understood, genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role. Asthma triggers --- or the exposures that set off symptoms in people with the condition --- are somewhat easier to identify. Some people with exercise-induced asthma experience symptoms only when exercising, while others react to a variety of triggers. Exercise-induced asthma attacks may be set off by many factors, including cold or dry air, high pollen counts or air pollution. Because air is warmed and moistened by the nose, mouth breathing that occurs during intense exercise allows cold air to reach the lungs, causing airway constriction and an increase in symptoms.
Symptoms
Asthma symptoms are generally similar irrespective of individual triggers. People with exercise-induced asthma often experience coughing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing during or after a workout. Symptoms can vary in intensity and may occur only during exercise or for 10 to 15 minutes after workouts. Fatigue, poor athletic performance and wheezing are other potential symptoms of exercise-induced asthma.
Complications
Like other forms of asthma, exercise-induced asthma can lead to severe complications if left untreated. Permanent narrowing of the airways is a potential outcome of uncontrolled asthma. Acute attacks can be severe enough to require emergency medical assistance, resulting in hospital fees and emotional stress. Rarely, severe asthma attacks can even be fatal, though this is less common today due to advances in medical treatments.
Prevention/Solution
Exercise-induced asthma can be managed with a few lifestyle modifications. Identify and limit exposure to known triggers, such as cold, dry air, allergens or irritants. Before exercising outdoors, check the local temperature, humidity level, allergen count and smog index. Exercise-induced asthma symptoms can be reduced by warming up and cooling down properly before and after exercise and by avoiding exercise when suffering from respiratory infections.
