Exercise-Induced Asthma

Exercise-induced asthma, also known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, is a condition in which physical activity triggers narrowing of the airways, making breathing difficult. It can occur in people with or without chronic asthma and is commonly triggered by vigorous exercise, especially in cold or dry air. Symptoms usually begin during exercise or shortly after stopping and can interfere with physical performance if not properly managed.

Symptoms

Symptoms of exercise-induced asthma typically appear during or within minutes after exercise. Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath

• Wheezing or whistling sound while breathing

• Chest tightness or discomfort

• Coughing during or after exercise

• Fatigue or reduced exercise endurance

• Feeling unable to take a deep breath

Symptoms usually peak within 5 to 10 minutes after exercise and may resolve on their own or with treatment.

Causes

Exercise-induced asthma occurs when the airways react to increased breathing during physical activity. Rapid breathing causes the airways to cool and dry, leading to inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways. Contributing causes include:

• Inhaling cold, dry air

• Exposure to air pollutants or allergens

• Underlying airway sensitivity

• Poor physical conditioning

The airway response leads to temporary narrowing and breathing difficulty.

Risk Factors

Several factors increase the risk of developing exercise-induced asthma:

• History of asthma or allergies

• Family history of asthma

• Exposure to air pollution or smoke

• Cold-weather sports such as running or skiing

• Respiratory infections

These factors can increase airway sensitivity during exercise.

Complications

If exercise-induced asthma is not well controlled, it may lead to complications:

• Avoidance of physical activity due to breathing difficulty

• Reduced physical fitness

• Poor athletic performance

• Increased risk of asthma attacks in people with chronic asthma

• Anxiety related to exercise

Proper management allows most people to exercise safely.

Prevention

Exercise-induced asthma can often be prevented or minimized with appropriate strategies:

• Warming up before exercise and cooling down afterward

• Using prescribed inhalers before physical activity

• Breathing through the nose to warm and humidify air

• Avoiding exercise in cold, dry, or polluted environments

• Managing underlying asthma or allergies effectively

• Staying physically active with guided medical advice

With proper treatment and preventive measures, individuals with exercise-induced asthma can maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.