What is exercise-induced asthma?
Because we tend to breathe through our mouths during exercise, the air we inhale is colder and drier (compared to nasal breathing). The muscles around your airwaves respond by tightening and narrowing, which can trigger an asthma attack. This is called exercise-induced asthma (EIA), and it is more likely to occur when the air itself is also cold and dry. Fortunately, this type of asthma is usually easy to manage.
What are the symptoms of EIA?
The symptoms of EIA may vary depending on the season and climate, but will normally include:
- shortness of breath
- chest tightness
- coughing
- wheezing
These symptoms can occur during, or more commonly after exercise, and usually dissipate within 20 to 30 minutes after ending the activity.
How can you prevent EIA?
By using the following preventative strategies, you can avoid EIA, and maximise your enjoyment and safety during exercise.
Warm up
Include 5 to 10 minutes of a continuous, moderate intensity activity like walking, cycling or slow jogging before your activity. This helps to relax the chest muscles and widen the airways to ease breathing.
Medicate beforehand
If you tend to suffer from exercise induced asthma, take a normal dose of a bronchodilator (reliever) 5 minutes before you warm up.
Stay hydrated
Keep well hydrated during exercise, which helps to decrease the thickness or stickiness of mucous secretions and airway restriction. Drink 200ml of water every 20 minutes of exercise.
Breathe through your nose
Consciously perform nasal breathing during exercise, which increases the moisture and humidity of air entering your lungs.
Choose the right activity
Participate in activities that have intermittent short bursts of intensity, such as golf, tennis and cycling instead of sustained high-intensity activities like running. Indoor swimming is also ideal, allowing asthmatics to improve their fitness while inhaling warm, humid air.
Choose the right environment
Avoid exercise on days when the air is cold and dry, or when levels of air pollution and pollen are high.
Know when to skip your workout
Avoid exercise when you have a cold or flu, or when your asthma is not under control.
Seek medical help when needed
Work closely with a physician to establish an asthma management plan that identifies triggers, monitors your breathing capacity and checks your use of medication. It will also be beneficial to talk with your doctor before starting an exercise programme.
How to treat EIA
If you feel the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma during physical activity, follow these important steps.
- Stop your activity immediately
- Take 2 - 4 puffs of your reliever medication
- Wait a few minutes
- Only return to your activity if you are free of symptoms