Exercise-induced asthma, also called exercise-induced bronchospasm, is a medical condition characterized by the development of asthma symptoms during or immediately after exercise. Though the exact cause of exercise-induced asthma is unknown, doctors at the Mayo Clinic believe that this condition may be triggered by exposure to cold, dry or polluted air. Speak with your doctor to discuss the treatment options available to help you manage any exercise-induced asthma side effects that you experience.
Wheezing
If you have exercise-induced asthma, you might begin to wheeze shortly after you start to exercise. Wheezing is a medical term used to describe a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs within the lungs when you inhale and exhale. This abnormal noise develops when your airway passages are narrowed due to irritation or inflammation of your lungs.
Cough
Lung irritation and inflammation induced by exercise can cause some people to develop a persistent or recurrent cough, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Side effects associated with exercise-induced asthma such as coughing can arise as soon as you begin exercising or may occur 5 to 20 minutes after you finish exercising. Coughing can cause additional side effects, including sore throat or chest pain in some people with this condition.
Chest Tightness
People with exercise-induced asthma can experience abnormal sensations of chest tightness due to side effects associated with inflammation or irritation of the airway passages. If your lungs become inflamed due to exposure to dry or cold air while exercising, your airway passages can become constricted, causing chest pressure or discomfort. Side effects of chest tightness or pain may be most apparent when you attempt to inhale. If such side effects develop, you may find it difficult to catch your breath when you are running or exercising.
Fatigue
If you have exercise-induced asthma, you may experience abnormal fatigue during or after exercise. If the cells and tissues within your body do not receive enough oxygen due to side effects associated with exercise-induced asthma, they will not be able to generate the energy demanded by your body during exercise. This can cause you to feel abnormally tired or worn out shortly after you begin exercising---even if you are healthy and in good physical condition. You may also perform poorly during athletic events or practices due to inadequate oxygen levels within your body.
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