Exercise-Induced Asthma
April 8, 2010 by admin
Filed under Asthma Problems
There is great debate among the medical community on the issue of “Exercise-Induced Asthma”. This is a type of asthma attack that occurs at a particular time; namely, during or after exercise.
Exercise-induced asthma is caused by airway narrowing brought on by vigorous exercise. The symptoms are a wheeze, breathlessness, cough and/or chest tightness — which may start during exercise but in many cases can start up to 10 minutes after exercise.
Why it happens is not very clear however, the most common school of thought is that it may involve loss of heat and water from the airways as they try to warm and moisten the incoming air.
Exercise induced Asthma is problem no matter what your age, and is quiet common in children, and I would urge you to work with your respiratory physician and take his/her advice on how you manage this condition, as everyone is an individual.
The benefits of exercise are not to be understated, everyone should exercise everyday, and children are no exception. The fitter you are the better you are, the more manageable the asthma. In fact, exercise improves your heart and lung fitness which is vitally important.
Asthma Council advises the following strategies to help prevent Exercise Induced Asthma
- warm up before you exercise; (Everyone should do this even though they do not have Asthma)
- keep as fit as possible; (Again, everyone should heed this)
- exercise in an environment that is warm and humid;
- avoid exercising in environments where the air contains a lot of allergens
- Breathe through the nose or consider using a mask.
Again I urge you to consult with a physician so you can get the best exercise/sport plan possible for you or your child. .Many, many elite athletes and other celebrities have asthma, they have not let it stop them doing what they want – if you or your children feel discouraged because you have asthma, why not Google “Celebrities who have asthma” or “Athletes who have asthma” and be inspired!
I have recommended some books (see link – Exercise Induced Asthma) that I Guarantee will be a great help to you and your family. They should be on everyone’s shelf!
Until next time
I wish your and your family the best of health!
