Exercise Induced Asthma
Exercise And Asthma
If you cough, wheeze or feel out of breath during or after exercise, you may have exercise-induced asthma. As with asthma triggered by other things, exercise-induced asthma occurs when the main air passages of your lungs, the bronchial tubes, become inflamed. The muscles of the bronchial walls tighten, and cells in the lungs produce extra mucus, further narrowing your airways.
Exercise Induced Asthma
Asthma is a chronic (long-term, ongoing) inflammation (irritation) of the breathing passages (bronchi) of the lungs. Asthma is characterized by sudden attacks or periods of bothersome or severe symptoms separated by periods of mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Asthma is an inflammatory reaction that is triggered by external factors or specific situations.
Symptoms Of Induced Asthma
Patients with EIA have airways that are overly sensitive to sudden changes in temperature and humidity, especially when breathing colder, drier air. During strenuous activity, people tend to breathe through their mouths, allowing the cold, dry air to reach the lower airways without passing through the warming, humidifying effect of the nose.
Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) is a form of asthma that is triggered by physical activity. Asthma causes inflammation and sensitivity of the small airways of the lungs. When triggered by exercise or other environmental substances, the lung’s airways can spasm or constrict.
Controlling Exercise-Induced Asthma
Exercise-induced asthma is best managed when a patient and their doctor work together to identify, eliminate, and control triggers. Choose the most effective preventative and maintenance medications, and have an asthma emergency plan.
Prevention & Treatment
Make sure that your asthma is under good control before you begin exercising. Refrain from exercise and consult your doctor if your asthma is poorly controlled.Preventative use of inhalers that contain cromolyn sodium (Intal) or bronchodilators, such as albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil), 15 to 20 minutes before exercise is usually effective.
Long-acting bronchodilators, such as salmeterol (Serevent), should be taken 60 minutes before exercise. The problem in EIA occurs distal to the glottis, in the lower airway. Bronchoconstriction is involved that is distinguishable from laryngospasm, which can occur in other exercise-related conditions.
