According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, asthma affects 16.4 million American adults. Asthma attacks are caused by triggers and may occur during or after exercise. Know the triggers, prevention and treatment of asthma symptoms before you start a workout. Exercise to build a strong heart and lungs and to alleviate some of the symptoms of asthma.
Asthma
Asthma occurs when airways in the lungs, specifically in the bronchial tubes, become inflamed and constricted. When the muscles surrounding the tubes tighten, the body produces extra mucus and the combination of the two make it hard to breathe. Asthma causes vary--genetics, environmental triggers (dust and mold), cold air and pollution all cause asthma. Symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, chest tightness and wheezing. Bronchodilators (inhalers), allergy treatment and corticosteroids that reduce airway inflammation are all used to treat asthma.
Exercise-Induced Asthma
Asthma attacks or symptoms sometimes affect patients during or after exercise. Inhaling cold air during exercise causes exercise-induced asthma. Mouth breathing, which is common during a challenging workout, does not warm the air (nose breathing does) before it travels to the lungs. The lungs react to the cold air, and the airways become irritated, leading to wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain. Symptoms of exercise-induced asthma include exhaustion during or after a workout, quick fatigue during exercise and an inability to run for more than a few minutes without losing your breath.
Exercise Environment
Certain environments are triggers for asthma symptoms (regular or exercise-induced). Avoid exercising in highly polluted areas, areas that contain a high content of allergens such as pollen (parks) or in cold temperature. Choose exercises that are low-intensity and that can be performed for a long period of time (swimming, walking). Avoid aerobically intense exercise or sports, such as skiing, running and hockey--they may trigger asthmatic symptoms or attacks. Being overweight amplifies symptoms of asthma and creates additional breathing challenges.
Prevention and Treatment
Create a plan with your doctor to address and treat symptoms when they occur during exercise. Have an inhaler and any other necessary medication on hand while you exercise. A 15-minute warm up helps the body prepare for exercise and more intense breathing, while a 15-minute cool down allows the body to return to a normal breathing rate before stopping exercise. Increase intensity slowly and lower your exercise level if breathing becomes difficult. If running in the cold is unavoidable, wear a face mask to protect your breathing. If possible, exercise in a humid environment.
Benefits of Exercise
Regular exercise improves breathing capability and lung functioning. Exercise reduces the risks of developing colds and infections that may worsen asthma symptoms. Exercise reduces stress levels and contributes to weight management.
Considerations
Stop exercise if your symptoms are not relieved by an inhaler or environmental modifications. Contact your doctor if your symptoms worsen.
