Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects people of all ages. Some asthma sufferers are prone to acute symptoms that manifest at any time and require medical attention right away. Sometimes asthma symptoms are only evident during exercise. This condition is known as exercise-induced asthma, and although it isn't as unpredictable, it can still be serious.
Symptoms
The primary symptoms of exercise-induced asthma include shortness of breath, wheezing and tightness in the chest and coughing during or after exercise. Occasionally chest pain will accompany the other symptoms. Sometimes the wheezing and airway restriction occur only as you exhale --- you can take a breath in without problem but have trouble getting it all out.
Triggers and Risks
People who suffer from exercise-induced asthma are more susceptible to symptoms when the air is cold and dry. Heavy breathing associated with exercise means you breathe more through your mouth, allowing the coldness of the air to reach your lungs sooner than if you were breathing through your nose. Other triggers include lung infection, air pollution and pollen or other allergens in the air. Living in a polluted area, family history of asthma, exposure to secondhand smoke and being overweight and out of shape are all risk factors for exercise-induced asthma.
Management
If you experience any of the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma, it is wise to visit your doctor to check your breathing and possibly administer breathing and lung capacity tests before giving you a diagnosis. You may be prescribed a short-acting or long-acting bronchodilator or steroid-based inhaler to help when the problem strikes. Your treatment plan and recommendation may vary depending on your age, physical condition and activity level.
Best Exercises
While the exact exercises and sports you play will vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and how you handle them, some are generally easier to tolerate than others. Winter sports played in cold air like hockey or cross-country skiing may pose more of a problem, as may long-duration sports like jogging. Sports that feature short bursts of activity followed by brief rest periods like baseball, basketball or gymnastics may be easier on your breathing.
