Exercise-Induced Asthma
Asthma is an inflammatory response that can cause tissue swelling and narrowing of the airways. Even though there is no cure, the disease can be managed successfully. Exercise-induced asthma is asthma that is made worse by aerobic activity, especially if the activity lasts for 10 minutes or more. It is estimated that the condition affects nearly 90 percent of those who suffer with asthma. Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and tightness in the chest are common symptoms, which may last for several minutes. Exercise-induced asthma affects more than half of all children who have asthma, and can limit participation in sports unless treated. While certain types of exercise and physical activity are more likely to trigger asthma attacks, individuals with exercise-induced asthma are generally able to participate in most activities, as long as the disease has been properly diagnosed and is under control.
Causes
Although the exact cause of exercise-induced asthma is unknown, theories suggest that symptoms occur as a result of the airway drying, or decreased temperature of the bronchi. The result is bronchospasm, or a temporary narrowing of the airway, as the muscles in the lungs contract. Symptoms appear to be made worse by exercising in cold, dry air. When a lot of dry air is being moved quickly through the lungs continuously for several minutes, muscle constriction causes the airway to narrow. Exercising in environments where the air is warmer and the humidity is higher decreases the occurrence of attacks. Exercise-induced asthma also occurs when chronic asthma is poorly controlled, the person suffers from allergies or the individual experiences an upper respiratory infection, all of which worsen the asthma. Use of certain medications including aspirin, diuretics, beta-blockers and non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs may trigger an attack as well.
Often Mistaken for Poor Conditioning
Sometimes it can be difficult to diagnosis exercise-induced asthma if symptoms do not present, except when exercising. Because the symptoms are similar, adults and children both may characterized as having poor endurance or being out of shape. Some people find themselves inhaling and exhaling more often during exercise, indicating that there may be a problem catching their breath. When diagnosis is in question, a physician may suggest a trial use of a bronchodilator to determine if there is any improvement. The irony is that if left undiagnosed, exercise-induced asthma frequently results in deconditioning, as a person becomes less active to avoid symptoms.
Treatment
Often exercise-induced asthma is treated with a short acting bronchodilator that works best if used within 30 minutes prior to engaging in a sport or other physical activity. This can prevent asthma symptoms from developing for two or three hours. Anti-inflammatory medication taken at least 30 minutes before physical activity may also prevent asthma symptoms from developing. Inhaled steroids help to prevent symptoms brought on by physical activity, however, will not be effective if used only before exercise. A short period of warm up before beginning a rigorous exercise or activity is recommended to help increase endurance. Proper nutrition is required in order to reduce the need for medication. Salt intake should be restricted and plenty of vitamin C included in the diet, but with proper care and treatment, individuals who suffer exercise-induced asthma should not have to limit their activities.
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