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Does several minutes of exercise cause you to wheeze or cough? If so, you should talk to your doctor about exercise-induced asthma (EIA). Symptoms occur after five to 10 minutes of strenuous exercise and include:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Tightening of the chest
Usually the symptoms resolve themselves within half an hour. In rare cases, late-onset of exercise-induced asthma may occur. In this case, symptoms occur between four and 12 hours after strenuous exercise.
If you experience these symptoms, talk to a doctor who is experienced in asthma treatment. Luckily, the disorder is usually managed well with medication, allowing athletes to stay as active as they desire. If left untreated, individuals who experience the symptoms often back out of sports.
Who is likely to have EIA? More than 90 percent of individuals who have asthma suffer from exercise-induced asthma (EIA), says David Harsha, MD. Of individuals who have allergic rhinitis, about 40 percent are likely to also have EIA.
Diagnosis & Treatment
After discussing your symptoms, your doctor may do some testing to determine if you have EIA. A pulmonary function test can be done after exercise to assess your airway flow. If your doctor believes you have EIA, he or she may prescribe some medications to help alleviate your symptoms.
Usually, medications come in an inhaler form. The most common treatment involves drugs called beta-agonists (i.e. Albuterol¨) that help to open up the airways. The patient inhales the medication with a couple of puffs 15-30 minutes before exercise to prevent symptoms.
Another medication that may be needed is an anti-inflammatory drug, which improves the patient's ability to avoid an asthmatic attack. Drugs such as Tilade¨ or Nedocromil¨ may be added as a different inhaler and also taken before exercise.
Other medications, such as steroids, can help if symptoms aren't adequately controlled by these first-line defenses.
Control Your Environment
To help prevent EIA attacks, warm up well before exercising, and exercise on a regular basis. If you have allergies, avoid the allergens (i.e. dust, pollution) that affect you.
Some sports are better than others for asthma sufferers. Dr. Harsha says underwater scuba diving is about the only activity that asthmatics should definitely avoid, because it can be life threatening if an individual suffers an attack under water. Swimming is one of the best sports to participate in, because of the warm, moist air. Running outside is on the other end of the spectrum, because dry, polluted air can cause problems.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting your inhaler - Carry one with you at all times. It may help to keep one at home and one in your locker or at work.
- Allowing inhalers to get dirty - Keep your inhaler clean, away from dust and lint. Clean it regularly.
- Using the inhaler incorrectly - Talk to your doctor, nurse or respiratory therapist to make sure you have a good technique. And follow the dosage instructions as directed.
- Not having a plan - It's recommended that you and your doctor develop an Asthma Action Plan that includes what you need to do and when. Review it regularly with your doctor.
- Not involving family members - Family should be involved in and aware of the treatment process to offer support and help you control your environment.
- Using a spacer device with your inhaler can increase delivery of medicine into the lungs.
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