She Strengthens

Breathe Easy: Understanding Exercise-Induced Asthma

Are you tired of feeling winded during your workouts? Do you experience coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath after just a few minutes of exercise? You might be thinking it’s just a sign of being out of shape, but it could be something more – exercise-induced asthma (EIA).

What is Exercise-Induced Asthma?

EIA, also known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, is a condition where your airways constrict during exercise, making it harder to breathe. This can happen to anyone, regardless of their fitness level. In fact, many elite athletes have EIA and still manage to excel in their sports.

Symptoms of Exercise-Induced Asthma

The most common symptom of EIA is coughing, but you may also experience:

• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness in your chest
• Decreased endurance
• Upset stomach
• Sore throat

These symptoms usually start 5-10 minutes into your workout and can continue after you’ve stopped exercising. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor – they can help you manage your EIA and get back to your active lifestyle.

Why Does Exercise-Induced Asthma Happen?

When you exercise, your body needs more oxygen, so you breathe harder to get it. However, if you have EIA, rapid breathing through your mouth introduces cold, dry air into your airways, triggering constriction. This can be worse on cold days, in dry conditions, or when you’re exposed to pollutants, pollen, or smoke.

Who’s at Risk?

Researchers estimate that 40-90% of people with chronic asthma also experience EIA. Additionally, 8-20% of people without asthma may have symptoms of EIA. Elite athletes, children, and people who participate in sports that require intense inhalation of cold, dry air are at a higher risk.

Diagnosing Exercise-Induced Asthma

To diagnose EIA, your doctor will likely conduct a lung function test before, during, and after exercise. They may also use a bronchoprovocation test to measure your breathing function during exercise.

Treating Exercise-Induced Asthma

There are several medications and treatments available to help manage EIA. Your doctor may prescribe:

• Short-acting beta agonists or bronchodilators to prevent symptoms
• Long-acting bronchodilators to prevent symptoms for 10-12 hours
• Mast cell stabilizers to prevent EIA
• Inhaled corticosteroids for long-term treatment of asthma

Preventing Exercise-Induced Asthma

In addition to medication, there are several ways to reduce your risk of EIA:

• Warm up before exercise with 5-10 minutes of light cardio
• Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth
• Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf or mask during exercise
• Try positive pressure treatment (CPAP and BIPAP) to reduce EIB and lung inflammation

Alternative Therapies

Some alternative therapies that may help manage EIA include:

• Caffeine before exercise to prevent airway constriction
• A low salt diet and taking fish oil and vitamin C supplements
• Breathing exercises and yoga to improve symptoms and reduce anxiety and depression

Best Exercises for Exercise-Induced Asthma

While some forms of exercise may exacerbate EIA, others can be beneficial. Opt for leisurely activities or those that require short bursts of activity, such as:

• Walking
• Hiking
• Biking
• Swimming
• Volleyball
• Baseball
• Gymnastics
• Golf
• Short track and field events
• Tennis
• Fencing
• Weightlifting
• Martial arts

Be Prepared

When you experience symptoms that may be EIA, make a note of the temperature, location, and type of activity. Record your symptoms and when they started and stopped. This information will help your doctor diagnose EIA.

Bottom Line

Exercise-induced asthma doesn’t have to hold you back. With the right treatment and management, you can continue to exercise and enjoy an active lifestyle. Remember to breathe easy and keep moving!