by Wendy Pettit

Created on: March 12, 2008

As a medical assistant in a pediatric facility, I have assisted in the care of many children who suffered with Asthma. The majority of the children showed more stress with lung ability and capacity after the light exercise routine. These results lead to more testing and confirmation of Exercise Induced Asthma or EIA.

A Physician can confirm diagnosis by obtaining a complete history, performing a breathing test to rule out chronic asthma, and performing before and after tests during exercise. A Peak Flow Monitor and Spirometer are the most common tools used to monitor and diagnose, EIA.

There are approximately twenty million asthmatics in America, and many of them suffer from Exercise Induced Asthma. Adults and children with EIA suffer very serious symptoms within five to twenty minutes after exercising. These frightening symptoms include wheezing, tightening and pain in the chest and coughing. In addition, extended shortness of breath can also result within five to ten minutes after exercising.

A common situation with people that have EIA is breathing heavily through the mouth while exercising. Most people breathe through their nose in normal situations, thus warming the air before it passes through the airways. The airway in someone who has EIA is very sensitive to sudden changes, including cold air entering the airways instead of the usual warm air.

If someone is diagnosed with Exercise Induced Asthma, does that mean exercise should be avoided? No, in fact exercise is recommended as long as it is the right exercise and duration related to the condition.

Swimming is a great choice of exercise because it is available all year round. The warm humid air is therapeutic for the lungs and airway. Frequent and routine swimming can tone the muscles of the upper body.

Other exercises recommended for Exercise Induced Asthmatics are casual walking, hiking, and open downhill skiing. Keep in mind, during the winter months; it is best to wear a scarf over the mouth and nose while exercising. This will warm the air before it enters the airway.

Sports that require only short bursts of energy are the best type for EIA patients. Baseball, football, short distance track, is some of the sports that could be considered. Sports that require continuous running could trigger symptoms, but with the proper training and treatment, can still be achieved.

The key component to living a healthy life with Exercise Induced Asthma is proper treatment, exercise, and knowing your trigger symptoms. When exercising or in conditions that are likely to trigger your asthma, it is always best to take a treatment first.

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