January 29, 2008
Getting By The Symptoms Of Exercise Induced Asthma
The symptoms of exercise induced asthma surprise many. As a result, they become afraid to exercise. They are afraid to get asthma through exercise. However, many would disagree that exercise induced asthma is possible. It is possible, although these are the extremes. The truth is exercise can trigger asthma attacks. However, we should not just give up exercise totally.
First of all, not everyone automatically get symptoms of exercise induced asthma. Besides this everyone who exercises is also not likely to get asthma. And people with asthma can also exercise. Yes, exercise is said to be one of asthma triggers. But we should not be afraid to exercise because of it.
Exercise And Asthma: Is There A Link?
When asthma patients engage in very intense and prolonged energetic activities, symptoms of exercise induced asthma usually manifest. We normally breathe through our noses. And our nose help humidify the air we breathe. And air becomes similar to what’s in our lungs. But during exercise, we breathe through our mouth. Without the aid of our nose, we get colder and drier air into our lungs. This is what causes the asthma attack. The patient’s air passage begins to swell. Mucus is also produced and gets stuck on it. This blocks the airway. And so you begin to have a difficulty in breathing. You start coughing and wheezing. And your chest begins to tighten.
Usually the asthma symptoms begin 5 to 20 minutes after starting the exercise. Or you would feel it 5 to 10 minutes after you rest. If this happens, learn to slow the pace of your exercise. Stick to easy and less energetic activities. Then gradually increase your exercise. This way you can measure how much you can take. But do not stop exercising completely. You should see your doctor instead. Tell him your concerns. He would know what to prescribe you. With proper asthma medication, you will be able to control your asthma. Do not let the symptoms of exercise induced asthma stop you.
Even professional athletes get these symptoms. But they continue their sport. Sports done in the cold weather are less acceptable though. Sports like basketball and soccer are harder too. But medication can help control the symptoms of exercise induced asthma. With professional medical help athletes are able to adjust to their condition. It only shows how serious they are in combating it. You have to be serious and disciplined enough. Then you too can do it.
Most of the time asthma is not triggered singly by exercise. It could also be a combination of things. When exposed to different allergens and triggers, your attacks could also increase. Infections like colds and cough could be a start. Smoke, vapors and dust around you can add to the problem. Again these do not affect each person in the same way. Some triggers may affect you more. But they may not affect the next person. What triggers their asthma may not affect you either. You should identify what triggers your attacks. Then you should try your best to avoid them. This will help lessen your attacks. And this will help you overcome your asthma.
If you feel asthma symptoms during exercise, consult your physician. Only the doctor can prescribe you with medication. Inhalers are known to prevent asthma attacks. When taken 15 to 20 minutes before the exercise, they can be effective. You may also opt for treating your asthma naturally. Warming up and cooling down before and after exercise would be a plus. This way your body would not surprised by your sudden burst of action. Swimming and walking are good to do too. It is fine to get a well-rounded life. You can have it. You just have to learn how to prevent the symptoms of exercise induced asthma.






