Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) not only affects about 90 percent of diagnosed asthmatics, but is also found in about 10 percent of nonasthmatics, including healthy athletes. The symptoms of EIA can include shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing after beginning exercise. However, being diagnosed with EIA does not have to end an active lifestyle or participating in sports. Understanding EIA and preparation can help you safely continue your exercise regimen.
Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB), a temporary bout of asthma induced by exercise, can even affect elite athletes including many Olympic athletes. A study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that 23 percent of Olympic athletes had a history of EIA. In the 1998 Winter Olympic Games several athletes with EIB won gold, silver and bronze medals.
In the study, the authors conclude: "These data suggest that: 1) EIB is prevalent in several Olympic winter sports and affects nearly one of every four elite winter sport athletes; 2) the winter sport with the highest incidence of EIB is cross-country skiing; 3) in general, EIB is more prevalent in female versus male elite winter sport athletes; and 4) athletes may compete successfully at the international level despite having EIB."
The study suggests that individuals with EIA can still train and compete optimally in sports. Diagnosis and an individualized treatment regimen are essential for people with EIA to safely continue exercising and participating in sports. EIA is diagnosed with a lung function test (spirometry) before and after exercise.
Treatment for EIA can include using a short-acting inhaler about 10 to 15 minutes prior to exercise. Experts also recommend sustained exercise warm-up and cool-down periods. If EIA symptoms occur, you should stop exercising. Good activities for those with EIA include swimming, walking and leisure biking. Activities that may worsen EIA include cross-country skiing, long-distance running and basketball.
REFERENCES:
1. Wilber RL. Incidence of exercise-induced bronchospasm in Olympic winter sport athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2000 Apr;32(4):732-7.
2. Managing Exercise-Induced Asthma: Interview with Clifford Bassett, MD, WebMD, August 18, 2004: http://www.webmd.com/content/chat_transcripts/1/103846.htm
3. Exercise-Induced Asthma, 24hourFitness:
http://www.24hourfitness.com/html/fitness/articles/induced_asthma
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on August 9, 2006 01:55 PM
