Summary about Disease
Exercise-Induced Asthma (EIA), also known as Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB), is a temporary narrowing of the airways triggered by exercise. This narrowing makes it harder to breathe and can cause symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. It's often seen in people with underlying asthma but can also occur in those without a previous asthma diagnosis.
Symptoms
Coughing
Wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe)
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness or pain
Fatigue
Poor athletic performance
Stomach ache
Causes
EIA is triggered by rapid breathing during exercise, leading to:
Cooling and drying of the airways: Inhaling large volumes of air, especially cold, dry air, during exercise can irritate the airways.
Osmotic Stress: Water loss from the airway surface due to breathing in dry air.
Inflammation: The above changes can trigger an inflammatory response in the airways, leading to narrowing (bronchoconstriction).
Medicine Used
Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs): These are quick-relief inhalers, such as albuterol, used before exercise to prevent symptoms or to treat symptoms during an attack.
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS): Used daily to reduce airway inflammation and prevent EIA.
Leukotriene modifiers: Oral medications that can help reduce inflammation and airway constriction.
Combination inhalers: Contain both a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) and an inhaled corticosteroid.
Is Communicable
No, Exercise-Induced Asthma is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Warm-up: Properly warm up for 15-30 minutes before exercise.
Cool-down: Cool down gradually after exercise.
Medication: Use prescribed medication (like a SABA inhaler) 15-30 minutes before exercise.
Breathe through your nose: If possible, breathe through your nose, as it warms and humidifies the air.
Avoid triggers: Avoid exercising in cold, dry air or environments with high pollen or pollution levels.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help keep airways moist.
How long does an outbreak last?
Symptoms of EIA typically start within 5-20 minutes after the beginning of exercise or shortly after exercise stops. Without treatment, symptoms may resolve within 30-60 minutes, but in some cases, they can persist for several hours.
How is it diagnosed?
Medical history: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, exercise habits, and family history of asthma or allergies.
Physical exam: The doctor will listen to your lungs.
Pulmonary function tests (PFTs): These tests measure how well your lungs are working. Spirometry is a common PFT that measures how much air you can exhale and how quickly.
Exercise challenge test: PFTs are performed before and after exercise to see if lung function decreases after exercise.
Methacholine challenge test: Inhaling methacholine can cause your airways to narrow. This is used when an exercise test can't be done.
Timeline of Symptoms
During exercise: Symptoms may start within 5-20 minutes of beginning exercise.
Post-exercise: Symptoms may peak 5-10 minutes after stopping exercise.
Resolution: Symptoms usually resolve within 30-60 minutes if untreated, but can last longer.
Important Considerations
Underlying Asthma: Many people with EIA also have underlying asthma. Controlling underlying asthma is crucial for managing EIA.
Individual Variability: The severity and triggers of EIA can vary from person to person.
Consult a Doctor: If you suspect you have EIA, consult a doctor for diagnosis and management.
Emergency Action Plan: Develop an emergency action plan with your doctor in case of a severe attack.