Exercise-induced asthma is a type of asthma that is triggered by physical exertion and exercise.

It is also known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, which is a narrowing of airways in the lungs that leads to shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Exercise-induced asthma can affect people of all ages, including children and adults.

Causes of Exercise-Induced Asthma

Exercise-induced asthma is caused by the narrowing of airways in the lungs, which causes difficulty breathing. This narrowing of airways is triggered by the physical exertion of exercise or other activities that increase the respiratory effort.

During exercise, people breathe more heavily and rapidly, which can lead to the airways becoming irritated and inflamed. The inflammation causes the muscles around the airways to contract, leading to the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma.

Symptoms of Exercise-Induced Asthma

The symptoms of exercise-induced asthma typically occur during or after physical activity. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include:.

Wheezing
Chest tightness
Shortness of breath
Coughing
Fatigue
Difficulty breathing

The symptoms may start during physical activity and can continue for several hours after stopping the activity. In some cases, symptoms may not appear until several minutes after stopping the activity.

Diagnosis of Exercise-Induced Asthma

Diagnosis of exercise-induced asthma may involve:.

Medical history: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, when they occur, and how long they last.
Physical exam: Your doctor will listen to your breathing and check for signs of asthma, such as wheezing.
Breathing tests: Your doctor may perform a spirometry test to measure how much air you can exhale and how quickly you can do it. They may also perform a bronchoprovocation test, which involves inhaling a substance that can trigger asthma symptoms.

Treatment for Exercise-Induced Asthma

Treatment for exercise-induced asthma may involve:.

Asthma medications: Short-acting bronchodilators can be used before exercise to prevent symptoms. Long-acting bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids may also be used to manage symptoms.
Warm-up exercises: Gradual warm-up exercises can help to prepare the lungs for physical activity and reduce the risk of symptoms.
Avoiding triggers: If certain triggers, such as cold air or dry air, can cause symptoms, avoiding or reducing exposure to them can help prevent symptoms.

Preventing Exercise-Induced Asthma

Take these steps to prevent exercise-induced asthma:.

Warm up properly: Gradual warm-up exercises can help to prepare the lungs for physical activity and reduce the risk of symptoms.
Use asthma medication: Using a short-acting bronchodilator before exercise can help to prevent symptoms.
Avoid triggers: If certain triggers, such as cold air or dry air, can cause symptoms, avoiding or reducing exposure to them can help prevent symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes for Exercise-Induced Asthma

Lifestyle changes that can help manage exercise-induced asthma include:.

Exercising indoors: Exercising in a warm, humid environment can reduce the risk of symptoms caused by cold or dry air.
Choosing the right activity: Activities that involve less physical exertion, such as swimming or yoga, can be better for people with exercise-induced asthma.
Avoiding exercise when sick: Exercise can make asthma symptoms worse when you have a cold or respiratory infection.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience symptoms of exercise-induced asthma during or after physical activity, see your doctor. They can help diagnose and treat your symptoms and provide advice on how to manage exercise-induced asthma.

Conclusion

Exercise-induced asthma is a type of asthma that is triggered by physical exertion and exercise. It can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe and can affect people of all ages.

Treatment for exercise-induced asthma can include medications, warm-up exercises, and avoiding triggers. Taking steps to prevent exercise-induced asthma can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.