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[E370]Exercise Induced Asthma Symptoms

by Eddy Kong Ww, Edd

This can best be described as a respiratory condition that affects the lower airway and it is brought on by a period of aerobic exercise that lasts for more than a few minutes.

Even though aerobic exercise is known to cause episodes of this condition to occur, there are also many contributing factors such as high pollen counts, poor air quality, poor physical conditioning, cooler temperatures, a low humidity environment and respiratory infections which also account for asthma of this type.

Step #1 – What Are The Symptoms of Exercise Induced Asthma

While each case is different, and many people experience attacks in different ways, there are some common symptoms that have been reported by sufferers. These symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain or tightness, fatigue, wheezing, gastrointestinal discomfort and a prolonged recovery time.

Step #2 – Who Would Suffer from This?

Anyone who has asthma runs the risk of suffering from exercise induced asthma, but it seems to appear more in children than adults. There has been no scientific reason discovered for this, but doctors believe that because children are more prone to exercise, and due to the fact that adults seem to not report these incidences, that this condition appears more in the younger generation.

Athletes who participate in cold air sports such as ice skating, hockey and snow skiing are also more apt to suffer from this.

Step #3 – Treatment for Exercise Induced Asthma

There are numerous medications on the market today that doctors prescribe for the treatment of this type of asthma. Some of these medications are albuterol, pirbuterol, levalbuterol, cromolyn sodium and nedocromil sodium.

Most of these medications are taken with the aid of an inhaler, or are administered through a nebulizer. Generally, the goal of treatment is to prevent symptoms from appearing, allow for symptom free exercise and to allow the sufferer to lead a normal life uninterrupted by this type of asthma.

What To Do If You Suspect You Are Suffering from This

Be sure to become a partner with you health care provider. They will be better able to help you effectively manage this condition if you report any and all symptoms when they occur.

Be sure to take prescribed medications exactly as ordered by your physician, and know your limitations when it comes to exercise. By following these simple steps, you can lead a productive life that will not be hampered by this type of asthma.

Even though you may know this 3 simple steps on how to identify what is exercise induced asthma, but with all these information will be of no use if no action is being taken.

Having the knowledge is not power, applying the knowledge is true power to free yourself the agony of having asthma again. You should never add to, or alter any component of your current asthma treatment without first consulting your physician.

However, many asthmatics sometimes tend to forget that even though they may know how to identify what is this type of asthma is not adequate, they should be be conscious and aware that in order to have an asthma-free lifestyle, a proper and yet effective asthma recovery system is necessary. Even without a proper asthma management system, there will not be much asthma free lifestyle to hope for.

Applying the knowledge of how to identify what is this together with an effective system can use – enjoy your life once again.

The B2-adrenergic agonists are effective in preventing exercise-induced asthma. If a short-acting agent is given ten to fifteen minutes before exertion the immediate bronchoconstriction may be completely blocked. The long-acting B2-agonists such as

salmeterol may be particularly helpful since their lengthy duration may also block the late phase attack. Remember, however, that long-acting B-agonists take longer to become effective so should be given thirty to forty-five minutes before exercise begins.

B-Agonists for Children

In young children a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) may be difficult to use, so a spacer with or without a face mask may improve medication. Some children, particularly those younger than age five, may benefit more from a nebulizer that administers the B-agonist. Another alternative for young children is the oral syrup form of B-agonist taken at least sixty minutes before exercising.

Anti-Leukotrienes

Leukotrienes have been shown to playa central role in exercise-induced asthma. An anti-leukotriene agent (zafirlukast, montelukast, zileuton) may be added to the treatment of exercise-induced asthma when the B2-adrenergic agonists are not completely effective. It should be noted that these agents are taken orally and must be maintained on a regular basis

to be effective. Patients who are maintained on anti-leukotriene agents should continue to use their B2-adrenergic agonist prior to exercise.

Cromolyn Sodium and Nedocromil Sodium

Cromolyn sodium and nedocromil sodium can also prevent exercise-induced asthma and are an alternative to the B-agonists. In patients with moderate or severe asthma both groups of agents may be used together. Cromolyn and nedocromil can also block the late phase of exercise-induced asthma, but their onset of action may be even slower than the short-acting B-agonists. One study comparing cromolyn and albuterol to prevent exercise-induced asthma found albuterol more effective.

Theophylline

Theophylline can also prevent exercise-induced asthma but is clearly less effective than the B-agonists, cromolyn, and nedocromil. Inhaled corticosteroids cannot prevent the immediate effects of exercise but their use in asthma maintenance therapy would help prevent late phase reactions.

Approved Medications

The NCAA and the International Olympic Committee maintain lists of acceptable medications for athletes. Medications approved by the United States Olympic Committee include B-agonists (aerosol forms only), albuterol, and terbutaline, as well as cromolyn sodium, nedocromil sodium, theophylline, and inhaled corticosteroids.

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About Author

Both Eddy Kong Ww & Ricky Hussey are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Eddy Kong Ww has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acid Reflux, Asthma and Cars. Eddy Kong WW is the author of a 7-day Asthma Recovery System, "How to Quickly & Effectively Treat Your Asthma Condition". Drop by at