Exercise-Induced Asthma: Triggers, Symptoms, And Treatments
If you have exercise-induced Asthma, you might experience wheeze, cough, or feel tight in your chest after physical activity. It can be not very comforting whether you're experiencing it yourself or watching someone close to you suffer.
You shouldn't stop exercising or living a healthy lifestyle if diagnosed with this disease. Luckily, there are ways to prevent and treat it. My article will explain what exercise-induced Asthma is, how it occurs, what it looks like, and who is at the most significant risk if you have it.
What Is Exercise-Induced Asthma (EIB)?
Asthma-like symptoms are connected to exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), narrowing of the lungs' airways caused by physical exertion. People with Asthma are not the only ones who can experience exercise-induced Asthma, which is why the term is no longer used.
Asthmatics are more likely to suffer from EIB than those without Asthma, which occurs in approximately 90% of cases.
Why Does Exercise Trigger EIB?
The air in your lungs is cleaned, moistened, and heated as it passes through your nose. Exercising makes you breathe faster, harder, and more through your mouth than your nose, which results in colder, drier air reaching your lungs.
Hence, the membranes that line your airways (called bronchi) can become inflamed, causing them to narrow, resulting in asthma symptoms. Asthma attacks occur when the airways narrow too far. Asthmatics are more likely to suffer from EIB due to their sensitive bronchi.
Common Symptoms of Exercise-Induced Asthma
There are several symptoms of EIB, including:
- Tightness of the chest
- Labored breathing
- Coughing
- Poor athletic performance
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
Depending on the individual and the situation, there is a wide range of severity for these symptoms. It is common for symptoms to begin during or after the exercise period rather than at the beginning.
As soon as you stop exercising, they peak and resolve 30 to 45 minutes later.
Who Is at Risk for EIB?
Specific communities are more likely to experience EIB than others, including people with Asthma and elite athletes. Certain environmental conditions may make experiencing EIB more likely.
People With Asthma
Approximately 90% of asthmatic patients have EIB, as previously mentioned. It is also more likely that people suffering from EIB while exercising have just had an asthma episode.
Elite Athletes
There is a 30-70% increased risk of EIB among elite athletes, especially among women. Certain sports can also cause EIB.
A higher risk is associated with sports that require intense activity for more than 5-8 minutes, as well as those played in cold, dry air or chlorinated water. Some popular, high-risk sports include ice hockey, water polo, swimming, skiing, long-distance running, cycling, and activities at high altitudes.
Environmental Conditions
EIB symptoms can be aggravated by cold, dry air and chlorinated pools.
It has also been shown that living in or exercising in areas with high pollution levels can exacerbate EIB symptoms. To avoid triggering your symptoms, it is essential to know where you exercise.
Lifestyle Complications from EIB
If people with EIB are adequately treated and take care of themselves, they may experience lifestyle-related complications. A sedentary lifestyle may lead to a lower quality of life if they stop exercising due to EIB.
Exercise may lead to significant breathing difficulties, which can worsen if they do not manage their asthma symptoms.
How to Prevent Exercise-Induced Asthma Symptoms
Preventing EIB before it begins can be done in several ways:
Using Bronchodilators: These medications can help relieve symptoms for four hours after taking them, 10-15 minutes before exercising. If symptoms begin to occur, they can also provide relief.
Preparing For Exercise: Try to ease into exercise if you suffer from EIB. You can reduce the likelihood of experiencing symptoms later in your physical activity by starting with a gentle 15-minute warm-up.
Avoiding Triggers: Dry and cold air may trigger EIB. Avoid exercising in such a climate whenever possible. If you cannot close your mouth and nose, try wearing a scarf or face mask to cover your airways. Try to breathe through your nose, which can heat the air. Allergens and viruses may also exacerbate asthma symptoms.
Common Triggers and Prevention Tips for Exercise-Induced Asthma
| Trigger | Prevention Strategy |
|---|---|
| Cold, dry air | Wear a scarf or mask over your nose and mouth |
| High-intensity activity | Do a 15-minute warm-up and consider interval training |
| Chlorinated pools | Rinse off after swimming and avoid prolonged exposure |
| Air pollution | Exercise indoors on high-pollution days |
| Respiratory infections | Avoid exercise when ill; recover fully first |
| Allergens | Exercise during low-pollen times or indoors if allergic |
Best Exercises for People with EIB
Exercise does not have to be avoided by people with EIB. They mustn't stop exercising altogether. It has been shown that exercise can help reduce asthma symptoms over a long period. However, you should know your limits, take breaks when necessary, warm up before you start, and keep an inhaler on hand.
Interval training can also prevent EIB (high-intensity exercise interspersed with rest periods). EIB sufferers can also benefit from exercising in warm, moist conditions.
When to Seek Emergency Help for Asthma
It is possible to die from severe asthma symptoms.
During an asthma attack, you should call 9-1-1 or seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe symptoms are not being relieved by your quick-relief medications.
- Shortness of breath or chest tightness
- Drowsiness or dizziness occurs.
- You notice that your lips or nails are turning blue.
- It is hard for you to breathe.
- It becomes difficult to talk or walk normally.
When to See a Doctor About EIB
See a doctor if you suffer from EIB or Asthma. Inhalers may be prescribed to you by your doctor after diagnosing you with EIB, and you may be told how to manage the symptoms after you have been diagnosed.
Having a plan of attack will likely get you exercising again in no time. Asthma attacks can become extreme if your symptoms become severe. In the absence of treatment, Asthma can have life-threatening consequences.
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