Exercise-Induced Asthma – Causes and Treatment
December 24, 2009
Although allergens, cold and respiratory infections are common asthma triggers, sometimes asthma can be triggered even by exercise or strenuous physical activities. Asthma that occurs after exercising is known as exercise induced asthma. Exercise-induced asthma usually occurs in people with chronic asthma. However, asthma could be triggered by exercise even in people without chronic asthma.
Causes of exercise-induced asthma
In normal circumstances, when we breathe, as the air moves through the nostrils into the lungs, it becomes warm and moist. During strenuous exercise, our oxygen requirement increases, forcing us to breathe through the mouth. Unlike the air flowing through the nostrils, the air that enters the lungs through the mouth is cold and dry. If the muscles of the airways are sensitive to the cold and dry air, the airways will contract, triggering asthma. The risk of exercise-induced asthma increases in cold and dry weather conditions.
Symptoms of exercise-induced asthma
People prone to exercise-induced asthma could experience the symptoms of asthma while exercising or after finishing the workout. The symptoms of exercise-induced asthma are same as that of chronic asthma. You would experience shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, tightness of the chest and extreme fatigue.
Remedies for exercise-induced asthma
The symptoms of exercise-induced asthma usually subside after taking asthma inhalers. Avoiding exercises is not a solution to this problem. Taking asthma medications at least 15 minutes before starting your workout could effectively prevent asthma during or after workouts. Since cold, allergies, flu and respiratory infections could increase the risk of exercise-induced asthma, you should avoid workouts when you are sick. It has been observed that risk of exercise-induced asthma is greater in certain sports or physical activities. Activities that cause prolonged physical exertion increase the risk of exercise-induced asthma.
If you are prone to this form of breathing problem, it is advisable to avoid activities like long distance running, soccer, basketball and hockey. Sports played in ice such as skiing, ice-skating and ice hockey can create shortness of breath. Physical activities such as walking, weight lifting, gymnastics, wrestling and baseball are usually safe for people prone to exercise-induced asthma. Swimming is one of the best exercises for people with exercise-induced asthma.
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