Exercise induced asthma is a shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing brought on by physical exertion. This is caused by inflammation of the lungs and the bronchial tissue which in turn can be caused by an allergic reaction to something. The inflammation can then trigger muscle spasms in the muscles surrounding the bronchial tube, making it even harder to catch your breath.

Even people who show no sign of asthma normally can trigger it through exercise. This could be due to changes in breathing patterns during exercise or it could be because people who suffer from exercise induced asthma are frequently more sensitive to atmospheric changes.

The rapid breathing that comes with exercise, which is often shallower as well, can lead to more allergens being inhaled as well as less time for the air to warm up when it is breathed in. When resting, we generally breathe through our nose which will warm up the air before it gets to the lungs.

Because most people breathe through their mouths while exercising, the air doesn't have the same chance to warm up and the cool, drier air can be more of an irritation.

Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to minimize the chance of an asthma attack due to exercise.

Firstly, if you use a bronchodilator inhaler, use it about 15 minutes prior to exercise. This will help to relax the muscles surrounding your bronchial tubes, lessening the chance of them being irritated by changes in your breathing pattern.

Spend extra time warming up before exercising. By preparing your body for the changes in breathing you can often avoid an asthma attack entirely. In a similar vein, take the time to cool down once your exercise session is complete.

Don't exercise outside during colder weather or if you must, wear a scarf or mask over your nose and mouth. This will help to trap the warm air near your mouth and nose which will in turn help to warm the colder outside air as you inhale it.

Also avoid outdoor exercise during pollen season or when the air quality is poor. When these are combined with the changes in breathing patterns during exercise, it's very likely to trigger an asthma attack.