Do you have breathing difficulties when you exercise? Then you may have something called “exercise induced asthma”.  Let’s take a look at what causes this condition and what treatment options are available.  

What Is Exercise Induced Asthma?

Exercise induced asthma occurs when you experience airway obstruction or inflammation during exercise. In other words, you experience asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness brought on by sports and activities. You might also see this type of asthma referred to as “exercise induced bronchoconstriction” (EIB).  

Is this type of asthma common? Yes. It’s estimated that the condition could affect up to 20% of the population.  

Causes of Exercise Induced Asthma

There are a few causes of the airway inflammation we see in these cases. Typical causes of exercise induced asthma include:

• Cold air (especially cold, dry air)
• Vigorous physical activity
• Breathing through your mouth 
• Endurance exercise (i.e. working out for a long, steady period of time without rest)

As with other types of asthma, there’s no single cause here. What they all have in common, though, is that symptoms come on once you start exercising. 

What Is the Difference Between Asthma and Exercise Induced Asthma?

If you have asthma, exercise can worsen your symptoms. This is because asthma can be triggered by allergies, medication, stress, and strenuous exercise. In fact, roughly 90% of asthma sufferers feel worse during exercise.

However, the main difference is that people with exercise induced asthma don’t have symptoms until they exercise. Meaning, people who don’t have asthma, or who don’t take asthma medication, can develop this exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. 

What if I’m Just Out of Shape?

There’s a huge difference between asthma and being out of shape. 

• Asthma typically causes symptoms such as wheezing and coughing rather than just feeling winded. 
• If you’re a little unfit, the fatigue will pass when you stop the exercise. If you have asthma, your symptoms may continue for at least 10-15 minutes or even longer.
• People with exercise induced asthma may feel sick or nauseous during exercise. If you’re out of shape, you probably won’t feel this way. 

Symptoms of Exercise Induced Asthma

The main symptoms of exercise induced asthma are:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Coughing during exercise
• Shortness of breath while working out
• Wheezing

Symptoms usually start within a few minutes of exercising. If you continue training, the symptoms get worse about 10-15 minutes in. They can take, on average, up to one hour to resolve (although some people have symptoms for up to 24 hours).

Diagnosing Exercise Induced Asthma

Making the diagnosis of exercise induced asthma depends on special tests, including:

• Exercise tests e.g. running or walking on a treadmill
• Lung function tests
• Listening to your lungs

If you already have asthma, then the diagnosis may be fairly obvious. However, in all cases, we always consider other causes for your symptoms such as heart problems. 

Treatment Options for Exercise Induced Asthma

What is the best treatment for exercise induced asthma? Treatment is unique to the individual. The options include:

• Quick relief inhaler: What inhaler is used for exercise induced asthma? Albuterol is the go-to inhaler. Once approach is to use an inhaler 10-15 minutes before working out to reduce the chance of triggering asthma. 
• Controller medicines: Depending on your symptoms, you may be prescribed a medicine that suppresses broncho-constriction throughout the day. This could make exercise more comfortable for you.
• Steroids: Steroid medicine is one option as a controller medicine and it works by preventing inflammation of your airways that makes them more likely to constrict when triggered.

What if I Still Want to Exercise?

You can, in most cases. What’s important is that you challenge yourself safely. 

• Consider starting with less intense exercise and advancing the intensity over a 2-3 week period to give your body time to adjust. 
• Try sports with frequent rest periods so you have time to recover.
• Exercise in warm environments e.g. indoors.

Get Help With Exercise Induced Asthma Today

Asthma can be debilitating, especially if it’s not controlled properly. But that’s where Asthmaniac, your online asthma doctor, can help. We’re committed to helping you prevent asthma attacks so you can enjoy your life. Book your online consultation today or contact us to learn more about our services.  

If you’ve never heard of “eosinophilic” asthma, you’re not alone. It’s rare compared to other types of asthma, but it can be severe. 

Asthmaniac, your online asthma doctor, can help with your diagnosis. In the meantime, here’s an overview of what eosinophilic asthma is and how sufferers can control their asthma.

What Is Eosinophilic Asthma?

Eosinophilic asthma is a subtype of asthma conditions. It’s caused by high numbers of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the bloodstream. 

Normally, these white blood cells help your body by fighting off infections. White blood cells cause inflammation, which is normally a helpful process for destroying germs. 

For some people, though, the immune system doesn’t respond as expected and the levels of eosinophils are too high. Too much inflammation causes the airways to swell, which leads to breathing difficulties and other signs of severe asthma.

Is Eosinophilic Asthma More Severe?

What’s concerning about this condition is that yes – it’s often associated with severe asthma. If it’s not managed properly, it can reduce a person’s quality of life and cause more frequent asthma attacks. 

The good news is that there are treatment options available to help manage the condition. We’re more than happy to discuss possible management strategies with you – book a consultation online today.

Who Does Eosinophilic Asthma Affect?

Eosinophilic asthma causes are still not fully understood, but here’s what we do know about this condition.

• It typically affects adults aged between 35 and 50 who don’t have allergies.
• Since it often presents as shortness of breath rather than wheezing, it may not seem like asthma at first.
• Children and young adults can develop the condition, but it’s rare.

If you’re an adult developing asthma for the first time, your doctor may check for this subtype of asthma.

What Triggers Eosinophilic Asthma?

It’s unclear what causes eosinophilic asthma. Unlike some other forms of asthma, which may be triggered by allergens, viruses, or even exercise, there are no obvious reasons why people develop eosinophilic asthma. 

Since there’s no obvious trigger, treatment can be more difficult. This is because asthma management often involves avoiding triggers, such as dust or high intensity exercise. However, we’re here to help – contact Asthmaniac to discuss a possible management strategy.

Eosinophilic Asthma Symptoms

The symptoms of eosinophilic asthma vary. However, the most common symptoms associated with this condition are:

• Chest tightness
• Chronic sinus infections
• Coughing
• Diminished or lost sense of smell
• Nasal congestion
• Nasal polyps
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing

Eosinophilic asthma can cause severe symptoms. However, these symptoms can be caused by other conditions. It’s important you receive an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare provider if you think you may have a respiratory condition.

Diagnosing Eosinophilic Asthma

This subtype of asthma may be suspected in adults with asthma which does not respond well to treatment.

• If eosinophilic asthma is suspected, your doctor may run a test on your white blood cells to check your eosinophil count.
• Tests such as lung function tests may also be performed to check for swelling in the airways.
• Other signs, such as nasal polyps, could indicate you are dealing with this type of asthma.

Signs of an Asthma Attack

As with any other form of asthma, it’s important to know the signs that your condition is not properly controlled. Otherwise, you’re at an increased risk of an asthma attack. 

Signs that you may need an asthma review include:

• Disrupted sleep caused by wheezing, coughing, or chest tightness
• Inability to perform your normal daily activities
• Reduced peak flow readings
• Using your rescue inhaler more frequently

You should seek medical attention if you develop the following symptoms:

• Blue lips or fingers
• Fast breathing and heart rate
• Severe chest tightness
• Inability to have a conversation due to breathing difficulties
• No relief from your usual asthma medication

These are signs you may be having an asthma attack which requires prompt medical care.

Eosinophilic Asthma Treatment

Eosinophilic asthma is hard – but not impossible – to manage. 

The condition doesn’t respond well to inhaled corticosteroids, which is a first-line asthma treatment. Fortunately, there is a new type of medication that is very effective for controlling eosinophilic asthma. 

This medication is injected weekly, using a fine needle and syringe, a short distance under the skin. Research studies have demonstrated a potent effect of this type of medicine for reducing inflammation in the airways and cutting down on asthma attacks, oral glucocorticoid dependence, and rescue inhaler use. 

Since eosinophilic asthma treatment is more aggressive, it can cause more severe side effects. These should be discussed with a doctor so you understand the pros and cons.

How Asthmaniac Can Help With Your Eosinophilic Asthma Diagnosis

Do you have eosinophilic asthma? Asthmaniac, your online asthma doctor, can help. Use our telemedicine consultation services to discuss your condition, review your medicine, and devise a treatment plan. We can even update or change your prescription if required – all from the comfort of your own home.

To find out more about what eosinophilic asthma is, or to book an asthma review, contact us now.