Complications of Exercise-Induced Asthma

Many athletes suffer from the debilitating effects of asthma on a regular basis. Whether the asthma is triggered from seasonal allergies or weather conditions, treatment is always well documented for each athlete. However, whereas traditional asthma is generally diagnosed in people from a young age, an uncommon form of asthma can go undetected for a large portion of a person’s life. Exercise-induced asthma goes untreated in many active people and can be just as miserable for someone to suffer from.

Exercise-induced asthma is a condition involving constriction of the bronchioles.1 The constriction of the bronchioles decreases the amount of air allowed into the lungs making it seem like the person cannot breath. This bronchoconstriction is the result of a histamine release in the body that is triggered by aerobic exercise in various conditions,1 such as cold air, dry air, polluted areas, and areas of high pollen count.2 Exercise-induced asthma can take place as soon as activity is started, but usually the asthma doesn’t begin to take effect until late into the activity, and can even be delayed up to thirty minutes after workout before showing signs. Symptoms usually last several minutes.1

Signs and symptoms for exercise-induced asthma include:

             • Coughing

             • Wheezing

             • Shortness of breath

             • Chest tightness

             • Fatigue

             • Diminished athletic performance

             • Feeling of being out of shape when actually in good shape2

Treatment and prevention for exercise-induced asthma involves the use of an inhaler or nebulizer. People with the condition may inhale short-acting beta agonists before exercise in order to prevent the bronchoconstrictions.2 Long-term treatment involves the inhalation of corticosteroids or the use of anti-histamine medications.2

Exercise-induced asthma isn’t a lethal condition, but rather a performance-decreasing condition with associated discomfort. Athletes with exercise-induced asthma shouldn’t have any limitations due to their condition, and only need to be aware of how their body is acting and reacting to the environment.

References:

1Garry, J. (2014, December 10). Exercise-Induced Asthma. Retrieved September 17, 2015. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1938228-overview

2Exercise-induced asthma. (2014, October 25). Retrieved September 21, 2015. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/exercise-induced-asthma/basics/definition/con-20033156