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Exercise asthma is a specific (rare form of asthma) in which symptoms only develop during or shortly after exercise. Then you experience shortness of breath, persistent cough and a feeling of heaviness in the chest. This disease most often occurs in children and young adults. A stress test is used for diagnostics.
What is exercise-induced asthma?
Exercise asthma is a rare type of asthma that usually starts during or after exercise (sometimes up to five hours after exercise has stopped). This type of asthma is often referred to as post-exercise reversible bronchospasm, which affects up to 90% of patients with chronic asthma. Exercise asthma is manifested by shortness of breath, wheezing and a persistent cough. It usually occurs in children and adolescents.
Exercise asthma – causes
The causes of exercise-induced asthma are not fully understood. However, there are certain factors that trigger seizures. They usually occur a few minutes after intense exercise, during which it is necessary to breathe both through the mouth and through the nose. Rarely, exercise-induced asthma starts several hours after you stop exercising.
The air inhaled during exercise, which has not been warmed in the nasal cavity, causes increased blood flow through the bronchi, which in turn leads to their swelling. Then, the blood vessels contract and the air flow is blocked. This is when asthma attacks occur without inflammation.
- Control your asthma at home. Get the Philips Respironics Personal Best Asthma Peak Flow Meter today.
Symptoms of exercise-induced asthma
Symptoms in exercise-induced asthma usually appear a few minutes after physical activity stops, sporadically – 5-8 hours after the end of exercise. Appears:
- feeling short of breath (temporary, reversible),
- persistent cough
- a feeling of heaviness in the chest
- wheezing
- decline in physical performance.
These symptoms disappear on their own or after taking a bronchodilator (most often inhaled beta-2-agonist). Dyspnoea may occur more often or be more severe if the sick person, while exercising, is simultaneously exposed to a high concentration of plant pollen (e.g. in the forest, on a meadow during the pollen season), environmental contamination, and tobacco smoke.
- As an adjunct in the treatment of asthma, you can drink ASTMOFIX – a herbal and fruit tea that supports the functioning of the respiratory system. We also recommend Asthma – a mixture of herbs containing ingredients that have a diastolic, expectorant, warming and anti-inflammatory effect.
Exercise asthma – diagnosis and treatment
The diagnosis of exercise-induced asthma is based on an exercise test. In the case of a positive result, bronchospasm is found.
In treating this type of asthma, it is important to avoid the triggers. People who love sports should remember to properly prepare for physical exertion, i.e. warm-up. The intensity of exercise should also be graded. Glucocorticosteroids (often inhaled) are the most effective in controlling the course of the disease. Your doctor may ask you to take them daily. It may happen that these types of drugs will not bring the expected benefits, but will instead cause a number of side effects (e.g. trouble sleeping, increased heart rate). A few minutes before the planned exercise, it is worth using a short-acting beta-2-agonist. Cromones are also effective, as are leukotriene receptor antagonists.
Other preparations recommended for use in exercise-induced asthma are:
- omega-3 fatty acids
- vitamin C
- a diet low in sodium
- plays
Prophylactically and as an auxiliary in the treatment of asthma, you can use For asthma – bronchial asthma – a herbal mixture of Father Klimuszko, which is available in a large package and at a favorable price on Medonet Market.
How can I prevent attacks of exercise-induced asthma?
Remember that exercises should always be preceded by a warm-up! Avoid exercising when the air is cold and / or dry. Limit your physical activity during respiratory infections.
IMPORTANT: People suffering from asthma should not avoid physical exertion, but it should be carefully planned. The most recommended sports disciplines for people with exercise-induced asthma are: swimming, walking, team games. Long-distance runs are the least recommended.
Text: lek. med. Matylda Mazur
To monitor the proper functioning of the respiratory system, you will need an electronic peak flow meter for monitoring asthma VITALOGRAPH asma-1, which you can conveniently use even at home.
Nebulisers are helpful in relieving asthma symptoms. On Medonet Market you will find favorable prices, incl. Nebulizer – Neno Sente compressor inhaler and convenient to use Mobile Neno Bene nebulizer. It is also worth practicing your breathing using devices such as: Gima’s three-chamber respirogram or breath trainer with the ability to set the resistance Threshold IMT Philips