Exercise-induced asthma occurs when the airways tighten and the production of mucus increases due to strenuous exercise or activity. EIA can occur within 15 minutes of starting exercise or it can occur four to 12 hours post exercise. When symptoms of EIA occur hours after exercise it is referred to as a late-phase response. EIA is treatable and with proper consideration you can remain active.
Symptoms
Symptoms of EIA may include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, fatigue during exercise and poor athletic performance. It is important to note that shortness of breath and feeling fatigue during exercise is normal to an extent. It is when the symptoms are severe that EIA may be the underlying cause.
EIA Factors
People of all ages and activity levels can experience symptoms of exercise-induced asthma. Some pre-existing factors that can trigger EIA include already having asthma, allergies, parent or sibling with asthma, smoking or being overweight. The exact cause of exercise-induced asthma is unclear but it is speculated that it's triggered by the drying or cooling of the airways that occurs during heavy breathing. Factors that may worsen EIA may include cold air, dry air, air pollution, high pollen levels, respiratory infections, being out of shape and certain chemicals such as chlorine, fertilizers or herbicides. Certain types of aerobic exercises such as running, cycling, playing basketball or hockey can trigger EIA because it causes you to breathe harder.
EIA in Children
Exercise-induced asthma is more likely to affect children than adults. Children who experience EIA may notice that they have a hard time keeping up with friends while running and playing. EIA may be overlooked by parents, teachers and doctors because children learn to avoid the activities that trigger their symptoms. Untreated EIA can cause the limitation of normal activities in children, which can lead to lasting physical and psychological effects, as well as poor self-image.
Treatment
There are various treatments for EIA. Quick relief inhalers such as albuterol or atrovent can control EIA symptoms for many people. The fast-acting inhalers open airways quickly and control symptoms for several hours. Other quick relief asthma medications include oral and intravenous corticosteroids such as prednisone and methylprednisolone. Other people who don't experience relief from fast-acting inhalers may require long-term control medications such as inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, theophylline, long-acting beta agonists and combination inhalers. Long-term asthma control medications are taken on a daily basis.
