EXERCISE-INDUCED ASTHMA

What is exercise-induced Asthma?
Asthma is a lung condition that causes wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.  Exercise-induced asthma is a form of asthma that some people have during or after physical activity.

How does it occur?
In an asthmatic, the small airways of the lungs begin to spasm or constrict.  In exercise-induced asthma, this may occur:  *  during or after physical activity
*  when the air temperature is cold
*  when the humidity is very low or high
*  when there is a lot of pollution
*  when there are a lot of allergens in the air
For many people, winter sports such as cross-country skiing or bicycling in the cold air may trigger symptoms.

What are the symptoms?
*  wheezing
*  coughing
*  shortness of breath
*  tightening of the chest
*  fatigue
*  decreased athletic performance

How is exercise-induced asthma diagnosed?
Your physician will ask you questions about your breathing problems that occur during or after exercise.  Your physician may ask you to perform some exercises and then listen to your lungs to see if anything abnormal is heard. 

You may be asked to breath into a peak-flow meter, which measures how fast you can exhale air in one breath.  During an asthma attack, the measurement will decrease from your normal measurement.

How is it treated?
Exercise-induced asthma can be treated by an inhaled bronchodilator, such as albuterol and pirbuterol.  You will be instructed to take two puffs approximately 15-30 minutes prior to your exercise or sport.  You may also be required to take a puff during exercise if symptoms occur.

How can I avoid the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma?
*  exercise indoors   
*  wear a mask, which warms air before being inhaled
*  breathing through your nose warms the air more than breathing through your mouth
*  be aware of the pollution and allergy conditions
*  perform warm-up exercises

The Sports Medicine Patient Advisor
by Pierre Rouzier, MD
Exercise-Induced Asthma, page 318