If your child becomes short of breath and tired only after exercising, it's likely he has exercise-induced asthma. About 80 percent of people with asthma also have symptoms while exercising; about 20 percent only have asthma-like symptoms during physical exertion. Consult with your child's doctor for a proper diagnosis so your child can start breathing better after exercising.
Identification
Wheezing, coughing and chest tightness are common symptoms of EIA. Your child may have difficulties exercising for long periods of time without gasping for breath and feeling tired. The symptoms typically begin five to 10 minutes after exercise begins, but worsen shortly after your child stops exercising. Symptoms may last an hour or more.
Causes
Drying and cooling of the airways during hyperventilation is the primary cause of EIA. The airways become irritated because heavy breathing is typically done through the mouth instead of the nose, so your child takes large gulps of air that are colder and dryer than the air in the bronchial tree. Air pollution, high pollen count, a respiratory infection or having a low fitness level can increase your child's risk of EIA symptoms.
Treatment
Quick-acting inhalers are usually prescribed for children with EIA. These inhalers are taken shortly before your child begins exercising and they immediately open the airways. Your child may need daily long-term medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids or long-acting beta agonist to control the symptoms of EIA. If your child suffers from allergies, treating the allergies with antihistamines, immunotherapy injections or an allergy nasal spray can reduce the symptoms of EIA. A combination of treatment methods may be necessary for your child to experience relief.
Prevention
Reminding your child to use her quick-relief inhaler is the best way to prevent EIA symptoms. She can minimize the symptoms they experience with EIA by warming up for 10 to 15 minutes before exercising and also cooling down for 10 to 15 minutes after exercise. Tell her to focus on breathing through her nose since the nose will warm, moisten and filter air that enters the airways. If your child is exercising in cold weather, have her wear a scarf to cover his mouth and nose. Swimming can benefit children with EIA because it's an effective exercise and provides a moist and warm environment that will not typically irritate the airways. Cold weather activities, such as ice skating can worsen the symptoms. Have your child exercise indoors if pollen or pollution is high.
