Exercise Induced Asthma

Exercise-induced asthma is a condition in which the airways in the lungs constrict due to strenuous physical activity. This condition is also known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, which is more accurate because the strenuous physical activity is not the true cause of the asthma. It is not clear, however, what causes this condition. Certain factors, such as dry air, air pollution, and certain chemicals can increase the likelihood of an event occurring.

Symptoms of exercise-induced asthma include shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, fatigue during exercise, impaired athletic performance, and wheezing. However, the symptoms associated with exercise-induced asthma also occur with a number of other medical conditions. For example, many of these symptoms are also typical of a heart attack or pneumonia. If these symptoms do not improve after normal interventions, such as the use of an inhaler, then emergency medical treatment should be sought.

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction can be diagnosed through a spirometry test to evaluate the patient's lung function. An exercise challenge test can also be used to diagnose exercise-induced asthma. This condition can be treated with short-acting beta agonists or corticosteroids, which are drugs that are typically administered through an inhaler.