AllergyExpert.US
Exercise-induced asthma is a form of asthma in which exercise or other vigorous activities trigger the symptoms.
This differs from the regular form of asthma, in which symptoms can occur with or without activity. It is a common
condition, especially in children and teenagers. Overall, it affects about 10-15% of the US population.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of exercise-induced asthma include coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing. They
typically start about 5-15 minutes into exercise, or shortly after exercising, then gradually resolve. Symptoms often
are worse when exercising outdoors in cold dry air. Often, people who have difficulties exercising or competing in
sports believe that this is because they are not “athletic” enough – however, it may well be because they have exercise-
induced asthma. Anyone who has any of those symptoms should see their physician for an evaluation.
What is the cause?
Since affected people usually have worse symptoms when running outdoors on a cold winter day and do better if
swimming in a pool where the air is warm and humid, it is thought that the humidity and temperature of the air may
adversely affect the airways. When breathing quickly, the air does not have much time to warm up and humidify as it
enters the lungs compared to when we breathe slowly. The dry cold air appears to cause the muscles surrounding
the airways to spasms, resulting in the narrowing of the airways and thus difficulties in breathing.
How is exercise-induced asthma diagnosed?
One way to diagnose exercise-induced asthma is to do what is called an exercise challenge. Basically, breathing
tests are done before and after exercise. The information provided by the test will help your physician determine if
you have this condition.
How do you treat exercise-induced asthma?
Limiting exercise in the cold is helpful; consider running inside or breathing through a scarf to help keep the airways
warm. Warming up before exercise can be helpful, although the benefits may only last 30-40 minutes. Short acting
asthma rescue inhalers such as Proventil, Maxair, or Xopenex taken 15-30 minutes prior to exercise are usually very
effective in preventing symptoms, with benefits lasting up to 3-4 hours.
Singulair, a leukotriene antagonist, is an other good option - this little pill can decrease exercise induced asthma
symptoms for up to 8-10 hours after ingestion. Other medications that can help include long-acting beta2- agonists
(Serevent, Foradil) and inhaled steroids (Flovent, Pulmicort…). Talk to your physician about what is right for your.
The key thing to remember is that exercise-induced asthma should not be a reason to stop exercising. With proper
treatment, you should be able to do any physical activity that you desire, including participate in competitive sports.
Examples of athletes who have asthma and have exceeded in sports include:
Updated 21 January 2008
This differs from the regular form of asthma, in which symptoms can occur with or without activity. It is a common
condition, especially in children and teenagers. Overall, it affects about 10-15% of the US population.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of exercise-induced asthma include coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing. They
typically start about 5-15 minutes into exercise, or shortly after exercising, then gradually resolve. Symptoms often
are worse when exercising outdoors in cold dry air. Often, people who have difficulties exercising or competing in
sports believe that this is because they are not “athletic” enough – however, it may well be because they have exercise-
induced asthma. Anyone who has any of those symptoms should see their physician for an evaluation.
What is the cause?
Since affected people usually have worse symptoms when running outdoors on a cold winter day and do better if
swimming in a pool where the air is warm and humid, it is thought that the humidity and temperature of the air may
adversely affect the airways. When breathing quickly, the air does not have much time to warm up and humidify as it
enters the lungs compared to when we breathe slowly. The dry cold air appears to cause the muscles surrounding
the airways to spasms, resulting in the narrowing of the airways and thus difficulties in breathing.
How is exercise-induced asthma diagnosed?
One way to diagnose exercise-induced asthma is to do what is called an exercise challenge. Basically, breathing
tests are done before and after exercise. The information provided by the test will help your physician determine if
you have this condition.
How do you treat exercise-induced asthma?
Limiting exercise in the cold is helpful; consider running inside or breathing through a scarf to help keep the airways
warm. Warming up before exercise can be helpful, although the benefits may only last 30-40 minutes. Short acting
asthma rescue inhalers such as Proventil, Maxair, or Xopenex taken 15-30 minutes prior to exercise are usually very
effective in preventing symptoms, with benefits lasting up to 3-4 hours.
Singulair, a leukotriene antagonist, is an other good option - this little pill can decrease exercise induced asthma
symptoms for up to 8-10 hours after ingestion. Other medications that can help include long-acting beta2- agonists
(Serevent, Foradil) and inhaled steroids (Flovent, Pulmicort…). Talk to your physician about what is right for your.
The key thing to remember is that exercise-induced asthma should not be a reason to stop exercising. With proper
treatment, you should be able to do any physical activity that you desire, including participate in competitive sports.
Examples of athletes who have asthma and have exceeded in sports include:
- Jerome Bettis – NFL leading running back, Pittsburg Steelers
- Art Monk – NFL leading receiver, Washington Redskin
- Jackie Joyner-Kersee – Olympic gold medalist, track and field
- Dennis Rodman – NBA basketball
- Tom Poti – NHL hockey player (New York Rangers), member U.S. Olympic team
Updated 21 January 2008
The AllergyExpert.US does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Read more on disclaimer and terms of use.
Exercise Induced Asthma
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Asthma is not a reason to stay on
the couch.
the couch.