WoW Health is a simple, membership-based healthcare solution - not insurance.

WoW Health is a simple, membership-based healthcare solution - not insurance.

Exercise-Induced Asthma: How to Recognize the Early Breathing Clues

Have you ever found yourself falling short of breath after a few minutes of exercising?

 

This could be because of an asthmatic condition, “Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB).” It used to be called “Exercise-Induced Asthma.” It can’t be categorized as a disease, but a condition.

 

To define it simply, EIB is a condition where the airways get narrowed due to exercise.

 

Signs & Symptoms

Let’s dive into its signs and symptoms to help you diagnose.

Chest Tightness

It is when you feel your chest has gotten tight after a few minutes of workout and exercise.

Wheezing

It is a whistle-like sound that you get to experience due to the blockage or narrowing of the airways.

Coughing

Due to the difficulty in breathing, it is also common to experience coughing due to Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

Indicators of EIB

Exercise Is An Important Factor

If you feel chest tightness or wheezing even without any workout or exercise, it is definitely not EIB. You should see a respiratory specialist.

It Goes Away After A While

To identify if you’re facing EIB, it is an important indicator. The symptoms of EIB, i.e., chest tightness, coughing, or wheezing induced within the first 15 minutes of exercise, don’t go away after a while, then it is surely EIB that you’re suffering from.

What To Do If You Have The Symptoms?

If you experience such symptoms, then it is very appropriate to see a respiratory specialist.

 

In addition to that, you can do a 15-minute workout before you start to exercise, which will improve your condition.

What Causes EIB?

Some prime contributors to the EIB are:

 

  • Dryness or irritation of the upper airways from breathing in cold or dry air
  • Exercising or working out in areas with pollution or allergen exposure. 

Seeking Professional Help

If you’re experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms, you do need to consult a healthcare professional. Even if it is going for a primary care checkup. It will help you understand the situation more accurately.

 

Even if it is not ‘exercise-induced bronchoconstriction,’ this could be something else that needs to be addressed.

Consulting a primary care physician would provide you with clear and accurate insights about your condition and would help you take the necessary steps needed.

 

WoW Health provides free virtual primary care to its valuable members, and you can check that as well.

 

Stay tuned for more wellness updates about lifestyle and fitness. We will get you another article on another interesting topic next week.

Our Recent Articles