Exercise Induced Asthma and What You Can Do

Asthma is a narrowing and swelling of the airways brought on by lung irritants such as cold air, smoke, pollen, animal dander, dust, dust mites, mold spores and other impurities in the air. When an asthmatic exercise, the resulting heavy breathing is what could cause an asthmatic attack. One can have exercise induced asthma (EIA) yet suffer no chronic asthma; however, 80 to 90 percentage of those with chronic asthma will get exercise-induced asthma. On a positive note, exercise will help the occurrence and severity of EIA and usually passes within 30 seconds.

To minimize EIA, one should exercise in a warm, moist environment. Swimming or water aerobics are excellent choices. If you do have to go outdoors to exercise, it is a good idea to wear a mask in cold weather to warm and moisturize the air you are breathing in. Physicians often prescribe the use of an inhaler before you begin to exercise and during your exercise session. In addition, drink plenty of liquids before, during and after exercising. If you were to become dehydrated, you could bring on EIA.

Should you suffer an attack while exercising and you do not have access to immediate medical help, get to a warm environment, drink warm liquids and try to breathe from your diaphragm. A drink with caffeine is a good idea because caffeine mildly dilates constricted airways.

Whatever you do, do not use EIA as an excuse for exercising. America has had many great athletes who suffered EIA, yet went on to achieve great athletic success.

If you have exercise induced asthma it is important to modify your workout and alternate work and rest periods. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends the following warm-up: Think "two-minute rules" and do these in the order given.

• Start with two minutes of very low intensity activity. Rest for two minutes.
• Do two minutes of higher intensity activity. Rest for two minutes.
• Do two minutes of exercise just below the intensity of expected activity. Rest for two minutes.
• Do two minutes of exercise at the intensity of expected activity. Rest for two minutes.
• Engage in the desired activity.