What is Exercise Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB)
Exercise induced bronchospasm happens when the airways narrow during or after exercise. The airways are the passages that lead from the nose and mouth down into the lungs.
When the airways narrow, this can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Anyone can develop this condition, even those who do not have asthma or allergies.
To help prevent episodes of EIB, you may need to take medicine or change your workout routine. You should tell your coach, teammates, or workout partners about your condition so they know how to help you if you do have an episode.
What are the causes?
The exact cause of this condition is not known. Symptoms are brought on (triggered) by physical activity. EIB can also be triggered by dry air or by allergens and irritants, such as the chemicals used in pools and skating rinks.
What increases the risk?
The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition:
- Having asthma.
- Exercising in dry air.
- Exercising outdoors during allergy season.
- Playing an outdoor sport that requires continuous motion. This includes sports such as soccer, hockey, and cross-country skiing.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition include:
- Wheezing.
- Coughing.
- Shortness of breath.
- Tightness in the chest.
- Sore throat.
- Upset stomach.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition may be diagnosed based on your symptoms, your medical history, and a physical exam. A test may be done to measure how exercise affects your breathing (spirometry test). For this test, you breathe into a device before and after exercising.
How is this treated?
Treatment for this condition may include:
- Changing
your exercise routine. You may have to:
- Spend a few minutes warming up before your workout.
- Exercise indoors when the air is dry or during allergy season.
- Taking
medicine. Your health care provider may prescribe:
- An inhaler for you to use before you exercise.
- Oral medicine to control allergies and asthma.
- Inhaled steroids.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
- Keep all bronchospasm medicine with you during your workout.
- Make changes in your workout as told by your health care provider.
- Wear a medical ID bracelet. Tell your coach, trainer, or teammates about your condition.
- If you are planning to exercise alone or in an isolated area, let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
How is this prevented?
- Take medicines to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm as told by your health care provider. Work with your coach or trainer to make changes to your workout as needed.
- If
dry air triggers exercise-induced bronchospasm:
- Exercise indoors during peak allergy season and on days that are dry or cold.
- Try to breathe in warm, moist air by wearing a scarf over your nose and mouth or breathing only through your nose.
Contact a health care provider if:
- You have coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath that continues after treatment.
- Your coughing wakes you up at night.
- You have less endurance than you used to.
Get help right away if:
- You cannot catch your breath.
- You pass out.
