Asthma is a condition in which the airways
are “reactive” and become constricted under certain conditions. Triggers include allergies, cold air,
stress, pollution, and strenuous activity. The most
common symptoms are coughing, chest tightness
or pain, and wheezing (breathing with squeaky,
whistling, or hoarse qualities).
Exercise-induced asthma (also called
exercise-induced bronchospasm) typically is
brought on by mouth breathing, especially in cold
weather. Vigorous activities like playing basketball can induce an attack in 90 percent of people
with asthma. Exercise-induced asthma usually is
treated with traditional medicine, but several alternative approaches to prevention and treatment are
worth noting.
TIPS TO PREVENT ATTACKS
USE MEDICATION BEFORE EXERCISE,
AS DIRECTED BY YOUR PHYSICIAN.
BE SURE TO WARM UP. THIS HELPS YOUR
LUNGS GET USED TO THE EXERCISE.
GRADUALLY COOL DOWN TO LESSEN
THE RISK OF WHEEZING.
DON’T SMOKE.
AVOID ALLERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL
TRIGGERS.
Kurtis S. Elward, MD, a family physician in
Charlottesville, Virginia, and an assistant professor
of research in family medicine at the University of
Virginia, says the symptoms of overexertion and
exercise-induced asthma are similar but have subtle
differences. With exercise-induced asthma, he says,
“You may notice a wheeze or a cough that’s
unusual, that tends to develop after, rather than
during, exercise.”
Have your physician assess any breathing
difficulties. “Wheezing or other lung symptoms can
represent not only asthma but also heart disease,”
Elward cautions.
Asthma can be diagnosed with a spirometer
or a peak flow meter, both of which measure lung
function through a breath test. You may also be
asked to perform a “challenge test,” an attempt to
bring on asthma symptoms through exercising,
breathing cold air, or inhaling an airway-constricting
substance. If the tests are inconclusive, your doctor
may prescribe an inhaler or another medication.
