June 16, 2010
Does Exercise Make You Wheeze?
It’s a beautiful day, so you head out for a long, brisk morning walk. After all, you know it would be beneficial to fit more exercise into your busy schedule. You’re feeling great – that is, until you return home and find yourself having some difficulty breathing. Does this type of scenario sound familiar?
If the answer is yes, you may have exercise-induced asthma, also known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Other symptoms may include chest tightness, shortness of breath or cough. Bronchoconstriction is tightening of your airway that occurs with exercise, causing symptoms of asthma.
Most people with EIB do not otherwise have asthma. Typically, problems with breathing occur within five to 20 minutes after exercise.
People with EIB are more sensitive to cold and dry air. In the absence of exercise, air is usually warmed and moistened by the nose. However, with vigorous exercise, people tend to breathe through their mouths. As a result, cold, dry air reaches the lungs, triggering asthma symptoms.
Cold weather activities such as cross-country skiing and ice hockey may make symptoms worse. Activities that involve short bursts of energy such as walking, leisure biking, baseball or short-term track and field are less likely to cause symptoms. However, strenuous, ongoing activities such as soccer, basketball or long-distance running make it worse for many people.
Those who suffer from pollen allergies may be more likely to have exercise-induced symptoms. Other triggers may include respiratory infections or air pollutants. Being out of shape, having vocal cord issues and having uncontrolled nasal allergies are some other reasons for experiencing symptoms with exercise, and these also need to be considered.
An allergist can help figure out whether you have EIB and, if you do, develop a treatment plan that can keep you exercising.
