Gavini Pediatric & ADHD Clinics

26850 Providence Parkway, Suite 300, Novi, MI 48374 :: 248.348.4200
www.ADHDclinic.com :: www.YourKidsDoctor.com

Exercise Induced Asthma

What is exercise induced asthma?

Asthma that is triggered by prolonged periods of exercise or physical exertion. Many chronic asthma sufferers experience asthmatic symptoms during exercise,. However many people who are not chronic asthma sufferers have exercise induced asthma.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Wheezing
  • Tightening of the chest
  • Coughing
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Fatigue during exercise
Other causes of asthma:
  • Cold or Dry air
  • High pollen counts
  • Air pollution
  • Chemicals
  • Respiratory infections

Tests and Diagnosis

A standard physical exam will be performed. if it isn’t clear that asthma is what’s causing your symptoms, your doctor may need to perform some tests to determine the cause.
Lung Function Tests:
  • Exercise challenge
  • Spirometry, measures how well you breath
  • Allergy skin tests
  • Methacholine challenge
  • Peak flow measurement

Emergency Rescue Inhaler Image of blue rescue inhaler.

Treatment

Quick Relief Medications:
  • Short-Acting Beta Agonists
  • Ipratropium
Long-term Control Medications
  • Leukotriene Modifiers
  • Inhaled Corticosteroids
  • Theophylline
  • Combination Inhalers
  • Long-Acting Beta Agonists
For allergy induced asthma:
  • Allergy Shots
  • Oral or nasal sprays
  • Omalizumab

Preventative InhalerImage of blue rescue inhaler.

Prevention

  • Keep your mouth and nose covered during exercise in cold weather.
  • Learn to breath through your nose, as doing so will warm air before it goes into your lungs.
  • Warm up for 10 minutes before exercise.
  • Do your best to avoid colds and respiratory infections.
  • Avoid allergens when exercising.