How to treat exercise induced asthma?

Greetings fellow asthmatics and those who have stumbled upon this article accidentally. We’re about to talk about how to deal with that pesky little thing known as exercise-induced asthma (EIA), also known as “your lungs trying to choke you out while you try to get in shape”. Don’t worry, it’s not like we’re going to tell you “just don’t exercise”, because obviously that’s not helpful. So take a deep breath – actually scratch that – just keep breathing normally because if you have EIA, taking a deep breath could trigger an attack.

What is Exercise-Induced Asthma?

For those of us who are lucky enough to experience exercising without the added bonus of wheezing, let me explain what EIA is all about. It’s a type of asthma triggered by physical activity or exercise. When someone with EIA exercises, their airways narrow, making it harder for them to breathe comfortably and efficiently.

Symptoms

The symptoms of EIA generally occur within 5-20 minutes after starting the workout routine or sports activity and may include:

  • Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
  • Coughing
  • Tightness in chest

Start Slowly

Starting slowly does not only apply when preparing yourself for your first day at work but also applies here too! If you’ve been away from exercising for quite some time now and plan on embarking on training regimental, start slowly and gradually increase the intensity over several weeks or months so that your body can adjust gradually.

Warm up first!

Before diving nose-first into serious athletic activities such as performing acrobatic tricks like swan dives; oops sorry I did say we were going funny today right? Jokes aside, always warm up before doing something strenuous by walking around briskly or stretching your muscles. Warming up can help bypass EIA symptoms.

Choose activities carefully

Fancy doing some indoor activities instead of outdoor ones? Choose an activity that is less likely to cause symptoms, such as swimming rather than running or cycling. Whatever floats your boat!

Keeping Control

Okay so you’re feeling sporty all of a sudden and geared up for the physical exercise. Well done mister/miss, but it doesn’t just stop there ya see? You have to stay on top of this game called EIA by monitoring your symptoms closely and having a ready-to-go inhaler close by.

Stay alert with Symptoms

Be aware of the potential first signs like shortness of breath before they progress into something more severe like coughing, wheezing or chest tightness etc..

Carry Your Inhaler

I cannot stress this enough: Tuck in that Inhaler! Yes sir/madam/sir madam! This could be an absolutely lifesaving measure especially if asthma isn’t taken seriously under exertion conditions eg during sports practice/routine!

Medications for Exercise-Induced Asthma?

Taking preventative medication is key here too when dealing with managing our condition while undertaking vigorous exercises.

Relievers & Preventers

There are two broad types of medications used to manage EIA: relievers and preventers

Relievers

This should not be confused with being someone who’s always trying desperately hard to strike-up humor conversations at parties because he/she feels compelled keep everyone happy around them after making everyone laugh once… Ok kind person obsessed about pleasing others jokes aside now back on topic πŸ˜‰
Reliever medicine works quickly, opening up the breathing passages in drug stores, which are found legally thank goodness so no need needing any fake IDs πŸ˜‰ Some common examples include Albuterol (Ventolin)and Pirbuterol (Maxair).

Controllers / Preventers

These medications are taken over a more extended period, before exercise-induced asthma triggers. They reduce inflammation in the lungs, thereby guarding against symptoms of EIA even before they occur. Examples of controller/preventive medication include corticosteroids or some anti-leukotriene agents (ex: Montelukast) that are usually prescribed by your physician.

Diet

Diet is one good way to help with asthmatic management too!

Consume Diary Less

Consuming less Dairy based products can act as an agent for asthamic managemnt! This fancy thing called “casein” could contribute negatively on chest congestion so cut back its consumption during focused workout regiments (oops sorry no laughter here)

Good Fruits and Veggies Choice

Increasing water intake while consuming bright colored vegetables and fruits packed with antioxidants is another solid weapon in our arsenal increasing our endurance levels which leastens fatigues allowing us to work out longeer without experiencing any adverse asthma reaction.

Conclusion

So dear friend there you have it, EIA ain’t got nothing on you now that we’ve unraveled the peculiarities surrounding it’s oozing tentacles out from wherever it occurred inside the body as regards severe physical activities! Just remember these few things; take your inhaler everywhere you go like Linus’ blanket, monitor your symptoms frequently and avoid giving yourself an arduous training regimen…meant for Olympians..until your fitness level and tolerance builds up gradually over time. So get ready for outdoor events / indoor exercises since you’re well armed with knowledge what has been explained above! Stay safe my beautiful friends πŸ™‚

Disclaimer: Please note this article is not a replacement for professional medical advice – always consult with a medical practitioner when making health decisions around medical conditions such as allergic reactions!

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