Sport and asthma

Exercise often leads to wheezing and coughing in people who have asthma. This type of asthma is known as Exercise Induced asthma (EIA).

Some people only experience asthma during and/or after exercise and are virtually unaware of the condition otherwise. One of the most obvious signs of EIA is that you get symptoms within a few minutes of stopping exercise. These symptoms usually worsen and the problem can last for up to half an hour.

Because you hyperventilate through your mouth when exercising, the air that reaches the bronchial tubes inside your lungs is not warmed and humidified like the air that enters through your nose. The larger amounts of cooler and drier air you take in while exercising, triggers asthma symptoms.

The Benefits of Exercise

The more fit an asthmatic can remain then the better he will be able to deal with his asthma. Exercise and sport should not be so rigorous as to cause asthma because this defeats the whole purpose. You must only exercise within your capabilities.

If you never do any exercise and suddenly have to run for a bus then you could have a serious problem. Exercising at a gentle level at first and gradually increasing it is the sensible way to go.

Helping Reduce EIA

First, you should not exercise if asthma symptoms are already present.

People whose asthma is triggered by inhaled allergens such as pollens may find exercise more difficult in certain places and at certain times of the year. Try another sport or venue if this be the case.

In cold temperatures, wear a mask or a scarf to warm and moisten the air reaching your airways.

Warming up before and warming down after exercising can help ward off the symptoms of asthma.

It is often suggested that asthmatics should take two puffs of reliever medication 5 to 15 minutes before exercising to protect against asthma. However, if you use relievers in this way, this protective effect against EIA may diminish after regular use.1 Further studies into the use of Salmeterol (a long acting bronchodilator), showed significant protection against EIA at 6 and 12 hours after the first dose, however it was not effective after 4 weeks of continuous dosing.2

Length and level of activity

Some forms of exercise seem to be better suited than others to asthma. The more vigorous activity, the greater the chance of EIA. A long run will be more difficult than a series of short sprints.

Walking is easy to do, costs little and can be done almost anywhere. If cold air is usually a problem wrap your face in a scarf and don't forget to take your inhaler with you!

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