exercise induced asthma | Asthma Triggers: Gain Control

 Asthma induced by exercise

 

Sometimes exercise triggers asthma symptoms. This is called exercise-induced asthma (EIA).

The symptoms of AIE are coughing, wheezing, a feeling of tightness in the chest or shortness of breath. Most of the time, these symptoms start soon after you stop exercising. Some people may have symptoms after they start exercising.

Pay attention to where and when you exercise
Having asthma symptoms when you exercise does not mean you can not or should not do it. However, be aware of the triggers of the IEA.

Cold or dry air can trigger your asthma symptoms. If you exercise in these conditions:

Breathe through the nose.
Use a scarf or mask over your mouth.
DO NOT exercise when the air is contaminated. DO NOT exercise near fields or areas where the lawn has been recently cut.

Warm up before exercising and gradually return to calm afterwards:

To warm up, walk or perform your exercise activity slowly before accelerating.
The more heating you do, the better.
To return to calm (cool down), walk or perform your exercise activity slowly for several minutes.
Some types of exercise may be less likely to trigger asthma symptoms than others:

Swimming is a good sport for people with asthma induced by exercise. Hot, moist air helps control asthma symptoms.
American football, baseball and other sports that have periods of less intense activity are less likely to trigger asthma symptoms.
Activities that keep you moving quickly all the time are more likely to trigger asthma symptoms, such as athletics, basketball, and football.

Use asthma medications before exercise
Take inhaled short-acting or quick-relief medicines before exercising.

Take them 10 to 15 minutes before the exercise.
These medicines can help for up to 4 hours.
Long-acting inhaled medicines can also help.

Use them at least 30 minutes before exercise.
These medicines can help for up to 12 hours. Children can take this medicine before going to school and will help them throughout the day.
Keep in mind that using these types of medicines every day before exercising will make them less effective over time.
Follow the doctor's advice on which medicines to use and when.

Alternative Names
Wheezing - induced by exercise; Reactive airway disease - exercise

References
Lugogo N, Que LG, Gilstrap DL, Kraft M. Asthma. In: Broaddus VC, Mason RJ, Ernst JD, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016: chap 42.

Weiler JM, Anderson SD, Randolph C, et al. Pathogenesis, prevalence, diagnosis, and management of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction: a practice parameter. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2010; 105 (6 Suppl): S1-S47. PMID: 21167465 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21167465.

Last revision 2/2/2016
English version reviewed by: Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, MHS, Associate Professor of Medicine, Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Ogilvie Island, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.