Exercise-induced Asthma

Exercise-induced asthma or EIA is a condition in which a person experiences shortness of breath or breathing problems after vigorous aerobic exercises. It can also be induced by other strenuous activities. Asthma, in general, is characterized by the inflammation of bronchi of the lungs and is triggered by numerous factors like pollution, smoke, dust, presence of pollen, molds in the air and certain respiratory infections such as cold and flu. It has also been observed that each individual suffering from asthma has different specific stimulating factors. Although, many features of exercise induced asthma resemble other types of asthma, it is basically triggered by aerobic activities.

Causes of EIA

It has been found that the people who experience asthma attacks after exercise, have more sensitive air passages. The air passages are highly sensitive to any change in temperature and humidity. In normal conditions, people breath through the nose and this helps in warming and humidifying the inhaled air to resemble the humidity and temperature of the air in the lungs. However, exercise necessitates breathing through the mouth along with the normal nasal breathing. When breathing through the mouth, the air that reaches the lungs is colder and less humid, which is responsible for triggering an asthma attack. The blood flow to the linings of the bronchi increases along with the inflammation of the air passages. Secretion of mucus is also induced by such an attack, which blocks the air passages and makes breathing more difficult.

The situation is aggravated if a particular person also has allergic asthma in addition to exercise induced asthma and if he/she is exercising in an atmosphere, where allergens are present.

Symptoms of EIA

The usual symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, elevated rate of respiration and wheezing. In addition to all these, patients may also experience chest pain, extreme fatigue and chest tightness. Sometimes, cyanosis or blue coloration of the skin and mucous membrane may also occur due to reduced oxygenation of blood. However, it has been found to occur in individuals with both allergic and exercise-induced asthma.

EIA Diagnosis and Treatment

Proper diagnosis of this disease is very important for effective treatment. Usually diagnosis begins with questions regarding the symptoms experienced by the patient and his/ her medical history. Depending on the severity and duration of the symptoms, the degree of obstruction of the air passages and the effect of such attacks on normal activities, the attacks are classified into mild, moderate and severe attacks. Besides this, certain tests are also carried out for proper diagnosis of the disease. Spirometry is such a test, which is carried out with the help of a spirometer. A spirometer is a device which can measure the amount and speed of air that you can inhale and exhale. An oximetry test is also done to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood, while the peak flow meter test is performed to assess the force of your exhalation during an attack.

The best way to prevent an asthma attack is to avoid factors that are likely to aggravate it. However, people who wish to continue with their exercise schedule and sports activities can take the help of medications. Some common medicines are beta agonist, inhaled anti-inflammatory mists like corticosteroids or leukotriene antagonists, and mast cell stabilizers. An asthma attack is generally characterized by a refractory period, during which exercises or other strenuous physical activities either produce mild or no symptoms at all. Therefore, many individuals schedule their exercises and sport activities to match such refractory periods to avoid this kind of health problems.

To avoid this condition, a lot of care needs to be taken. This includes taking proper medication in the required amount and reducing exposure to the disease stimulating factors. However, before opting for any particular medicine or preventive measure, it is always advisable to consult a certified physician.