Exercise Induced Asthma
Table of Contents
Symptoms of Exercise-Induced Asthma
During exercise, the bands in the airways narrow which causes asthma symptoms. These symptoms include: coughing with asthma, tightening of the chest, fatigue, shortness of breath and wheezing. Symptoms usually begin between 5-10 minutes of beginning the exercise.
Causes of Exercise-Induced Asthma
Physically induced asthma is caused by physical exertion, such as a strenuous workout. Most people that are diagnosed with chronic asthma show symptoms during their workouts, but people that do not have asthma can also experience the same symptoms too. This happens because during normal breathing, the air is inhaled through the nose, which warms and moistens the air. During strenuous exercise, the air is typically inhaled through the mouth, leaving the air cold and dry. The cold and dry air makes the muscle bands around the airways contract making it difficult to breathe.
Treatment of Exercise-Induced Asthma
If you experience exercise-induced asthma, you should not stop exercising. Speak with your physician about the proper plan. Typically, asthma inhalers should be used prior to exercise to control these symptoms. When you have control of your asthma symptoms, then you will be able to exercise with no problems.
In addition to taking the correct medications, you will want to properly warm-up and cool down. Some exercises are better tolerated by people with asthma than others too. You may want to choose activities such as walking or volleyball, because they only involve short bursts of exertion, if any at all. You may want to avoid activities such as soccer for the same reason. Even though these activities are harder to participate it, it does not mean that it is completely off-limits. If you want to participate, just take the proper steps before. Swimming is a great option since the air is typically warm and moist. Find which level you would like to participate in and find out which level you are able to participate at, and go from there. If you are participating in an outdoor exercise, check the pollen counts. If pollen counts are high, then you will want to move your workout indoors.