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Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (Asthma)

Everyone needs to exercise, even people with asthma! A strong, healthy body is one of your best defenses against disease. But some people have asthma episodes during exercise. By taking steps to control your asthma, you should be able to exercise free of symptoms.

What Is Exercise-Induced Asthma?

If you have asthma symptoms during exercise or physical activity, you may have exercise-induced bronchoconstriction [BRAHN-koh-kahn-STRIK-shun]. In the past, it was called exercise-induced asthma. But that name wrongly suggests that exercise causes asthma.

Exercise can cause shortness of breath in anyone. If you have exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), your airways become tight and inflamed during physical activity. As many as 90% of all people who have asthma also have EIB.1 You can also have EIB even if you do not have asthma.

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What Are the Symptoms of Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction EIB (Exercise-Induced Asthma)?

Symptoms of EIB include:

  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheeze (a whistling sound when you breathe)
  • Chest tightness or pain

Coughing is the most common symptom of EIB and may be the only symptom you have. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

The typical timeline for EIB symptoms:

  • Start within three minutes of starting exercise
  • Peak within 10 to 15 minutes
  • Resolve by one hour after stopping exercise

Some people will have a second wave (“late-phase”) of symptoms four to 12 hours after stopping exercise. Late-phase symptoms are often less severe and can take up to 24 hours to resolve.

What Causes EIB (Exercise-Induced Asthma)?

When you exercise, your body demands more oxygen so you breathe faster and deeper. You usually breathe in through your mouth during exercise. Air that you breathe in from your mouth is dryer and cooler than when you breathe through your nose.

The dry and/or cold air is the main asthma trigger for airway narrowing (bronchoconstriction) and inflammation seen in EIB. Exercise that exposes you to cold, dry air is more likely to cause asthma symptoms than exercise involving warm and humid air.

Other triggers that can make EIB symptoms worse include:

  • Air pollution
  • High pollen counts
  • Exposure to other irritants, such as smoke and strong fumes
  • A recent cold or asthma episode
How Do Doctors Diagnose EIB (Exercise-Induced Asthma)?

It is important to know the difference between being out of shape and having EIB. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and may perform a series of tests to diagnose EIB. Your doctor may measure your breathing before, during, and after exercise to test your lung functions. If you have EIB, your doctor will help you create a plan so you can take steps to prevent asthma symptoms during exercise. Your doctor will also tell you what to do if you have an asthma flare-up or attack.

Other conditions your doctor will need to rule out:

  • Vocal cord dysfunction
  • Abnormal airways
  • Exercise-induced anaphylaxis
  • Poor cardiovascular conditioning
  • Reflux
  • Other underlying lung diseases

With a diagnosis and treatment plan, you can enjoy all types of physical activity.

What Types of Medicines Treat or Prevent EIB?

Good general health and medical treatment can prevent EIB in most people. If  you have EIB, your doctor will prescribe asthma medicine for you to take to help you manage your symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe a quick-relief medicine (usually in inhaler form). You would take it 15 to 20 minutes before activity including significant exercise.  An example of a quick-relief medicine is albuterol. It works by relaxing the small muscles that squeeze the airways. (These medicines “relieve the squeeze.”)

Your doctor may also prescribe a controller medicine, as well as other asthma medicines, which aim to control and prevent symptoms.

Together, you can find the best asthma treatment for you based on your medical history and the type of activity you do.

If you continue to have frequent symptoms with usual activity or exercise, talk with your doctor. Your doctor may adjust your asthma treatment plan to help your symptoms.  The major goal is to continue exercise and not avoid it.

Remember, you should be able to take part in activities, sports, and exercise without experiencing symptoms! Do not let EIB keep you from leading an active life or from achieving your athletic dreams.

What Types of Sports Are Best for People with EIB?

Activities most likely to trigger EIB:

  • Sports or activities in cold/dry weather (ice hockey, skiing, ice skating, snowboarding)
  • Sports or activities that need constant activity (long distance running, soccer)

Activities least likely to trigger EIB:

  • Sports or activities that use short bursts of exercise (volleyball, baseball, gymnastics)
  • Walking or leisure biking
  • Swimming in a warm, humid environment

It is important to consult with your health care provider before beginning any exercise program. Pace yourself. With effective management, people with EIB can perform and excel in a variety of sports. Many Olympic athletes and professional athletes with EIB excel in their sports.

Can Exercise Help Asthma?

Exercise benefits your entire body. Exercise cannot cure asthma, but some of its health benefits can help you keep your asthma well-controlled.

Some health benefits of exercise that can help your asthma include:

Medical Review: June 2022 by John James, MD

References

1. Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB). (n.d.). American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Retrieved June 9, 2022, from https://acaai.org/asthma/types-of-asthma/exercise-induced-bronchoconstriction-eib/

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