Shortness of breath is common when exerting yourself physically, but some people experience asthma-like symptoms when working out or participating in vigorous activities. This health issue is known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), which results from a narrowing of the airways when a person is active.
Many people with asthma will experience decreased lung function when partaking in physical activity. However, EIB can happen independently of an asthma diagnosis.
Symptoms of EIB often include the following:
These health effects are most likely to occur when a person is working out or immediately after activities. Additionally, symptoms can last for an hour or longer without proper treatment.
Like many physical ailments, doctors aren’t entirely sure what causes EIB. However, some researchers claim the effects of cold, dry air are likely to play a role in decreased lung function. When air lacks moisture, it can possibly irritate the airways and cause breathing problems.
There are also risk factors to be aware of, and these include:
Additionally, people with existing asthma are more likely to experience EIB.
Physical activity is crucial for maintaining good health. As a result, people with EIB must secure effective therapies to ensure they can continue to participate in fitness activities. In some cases, you may be able to take medication before exercising to boost the function of your lungs. These drugs can include short-acting beta agonists and ipratropium, both of which are inhaled.
Doctors can also prescribe medications to manage symptoms in the long-term. In addition to inhaled corticosteroids to manage airway inflammation, patients may also benefit from oral leukotriene modifiers, which help prevent inflammatory responses.
While medication is quite effective at managing the effects of this lung condition, your doctor may also recommend certain home care steps, including:
If you find that your condition has changed or worsened with activity, be sure to report the issue to your doctor as soon as possible.