What is Exercise-Induced Asthma?
Asthma and the Olympics Exercise is a common cause of asthma symptoms. It is often referred to as exercise-induced asthma (EIA). It is estimated that 80 to 90% of all individuals who have allergic asthma will experience symptoms of EIA with vigorous exercise or activity. For teenagers and young adults this is often the most common cause of asthma symptoms. Common symptoms of EIA are: • Coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath • Symptoms may begin during exercise and will usually be worse 5 to 10 minutes after stopping exercise • Symptoms most often resolve in another 20 to 30 minutes and can range from mild to severe • Occasionally some individuals will experience late-phase symptoms 4 to 12 hours after stopping exercise What causes Exercise-Induced Asthma? • When you exercise you breathe faster due to increased oxygen demands of your body • Usually during exercise you inhale through your mouth, causing air to be dryer and cooler than when you breathe through your na
Like it sounds, exercise-induced asthma is asthma that is triggered by vigorous or prolonged exercise or physical exertion. Most people with chronic asthma experience symptoms of asthma during exercise. However, there are many people without chronic asthma who develop symptoms only during exercise.
