Exercise Induced Asthma

Few people enjoy exercise, but it is necessary for our well-being. However, people who suffer from asthma may experience exercise induced asthma, and the may be cause not to exercise as needed. Often, exercise induced asthma is triggered during aerobic type exercise.

While the exercise itself can trigger an asthma attack, it is often other factors such as high pollen, being in less than perfect physical condition, or low humidity and cool temperatures. Respiratory infections also may play a role.

Exercise Induced Asthma Symptoms

Each person and each asthma condition and attack is different. The symptoms of exercise induced asthma may also differ from one person to another. However, there are some common symptoms that have been reported. Shortness of breath, chest pain, chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, fatigue, and stomach discomfort are common symptoms of exercise induced asthma. These sufferers also experience a longer recovery time.

Who Experiences Exercise Induced Asthma?

Naturally, any person that already has an asthma condition is at high risk for exercise induced asthma. Research has shown that exercise induced asthma occurs more often in children than adults, however. Studies have not been able to uncover the cause of this, but many doctors assume it is because children are more active than adults in terms of exercise. It is also believed that many adults do not report their experiences with exercise induced asthma. Anyone who takes part in cold weather sports, which include hockey, snow skiing, and ice skating, are also likely to suffer from exercise induced asthma.

Can Exercise Induced Asthma Be Treated?

Doctors can prescribe medication to treat exercise induced asthma, and they have a variety of medications to choose from. These medications consist of albuterol, nedocromil sodium, pirbuterol, cromolyn sodium, and levalbuterol.

These medications are often administered with an inhaler or nebulizer. With asthma, the objective is to prevent an attack from occurring, and to enable asthma sufferers to get the exercise that they want and need without having an episode of exercise induced asthma.

What Should You Do If You Experience Exercise Induced Asthma?

Work with your health care professional. Your doctor is the best person to help you treat you exercise induced asthma treatment, and you must report all incidents and symptoms to him or her. Take the medications that your doctor prescribes, as directed. Also, get to know your limitations when it comes to exercise. Don’t avoid it! Just know how much you can do and for how long – and stop before you trigger an exercise induced asthma attack. With a little caution, you can live a perfectly normal and productive life.