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Exercise Induced asthma is asthma that is triggered by vigorous or prolonged exercise. Symptoms are coughing,wheezing,fatigue and shortness of breath. It usually starts approximately 5 to 20 minutes after starting to exercise or within 5 to 10 minutes of concluding exercise. If you are experiencing any of those symptoms, you should seek the care of your doctor.

What happens during EIA?

Normally we breathe through our nose. As the air passes through the nasal passages it is warmed and moistened before traveling down through the bronchial passages to the lungs.
When a person exercises, they normally breath through their mouth. They inhale cold, dry air into the bronchial passages which in turn will trigger the muscles in the respiratory tract to constrict and this narrows the airway, making it harder to breathe. This occurs because the airways are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes.
This in turn causes these symptoms:
Coughing
Chest tightness
Wheezing
Unexplained fatigue while exercising
Shortness of breath with exertion or exercise

What are ways to treat EIA?

Fast acting bronchodilators such as Albuterol (also considered rescue inhalers) taken when the symptoms occur will open up the airways to make breathing easier. You can also take Albuterol 10-15 minutes prior to exercising to prevent EIA. This medication lasts for 4-6 hours and can relax the muscles in the lungs to prevent the bronchial constriction common with Exercise induced asthma.

Other prescribed asthma medications, including long acting beta 2 antagonists such as Serevent, are taken on a maintenance basis and can work as a preventative measure. These long acting bronchodilators work to prevent bronchoconstriction or tightened airway muscles. When taken regularly they can help keep your airways open and improve lung function. They provide relief for up to 12 hours.

Stop exercise when you feel symptoms coming on. Sit and try slow breathing through the nostrils to get warm, humidified air into the air passages.

What are some tips and ways to prevent EIA?

1. Take your asthma medications daily as prescribed by your physician.

2. Always use your pre-exercise inhaled bronchodilator prior to starting exercise.

3. To prevent asthma,it is recommended to warm up prior to and cool down after exercising.

4. For those with allergies and asthma, they should limit exercise on high pollen days or when there is a high level of air pollution.

5. Restrict exercise when sick because infections such as colds, flu and sinus infections aggravate asthma symptoms and can even cause asthma.

6. Exercise indoors or wear a scarf over the mouth and nose when the weather is cold.

7. Exercise at a level that is right for you. Don't over do it.

8.Continue to maintain an active lifestyle and exercise regimen to keep a healthy physical and mental wellbeing.

It is important for both physical and mental health to maintain an active lifestyle.Do not avoid exercise by using asthma as an excuse because with proper diagnosis and treatment of asthma, you should be able to enjoy the benefits of an exercise program without experiencing asthma symptoms.

Learn more about this author, Kathleen Gadomski.
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