Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm: What You Should Know
What is exercise-induced bronchospasm?
Exercise-induced bronchospasm (also called EIB) happens when the airways in your lungs shrink (get smaller) while you are exercising. If you have EIB, it can be hard for you to exercise for more than 30 minutes at a time. Symptoms of EIB typically start after 5 to 20 minutes of nonstop exercise, and may include wheezing (breathing that makes a hoarse, squeaky, whistling or musical sound), difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing, and chest tightness.
What causes EIB?
EIB might be caused when you are exercising by breathing air that is cooler and drier than the air in your lungs. If you have EIB and chronic asthma, your symptoms may get worse during spring and fall, when people tend to have trouble with allergies.
How can my doctor tell that I have EIB?
Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, do a physical exam and perform breathing tests. During a breathing test, your doctor will have you breathe into a spirometer or a peak flow meter. These devices measure how much air you are able to blow out of your lungs. If your doctor thinks you might have EIB, he or she will help you decide on the best treatment for your symptoms.
Your doctor will tell you how to take your medicine. Always follow your doctor's instructions and take your medicine every time you exercise.
How is EIB treated?
- A short-acting bronchodilator, such as albuterol (some brand names: AccuNeb, Proventil, Ventolin), pirbuterol (brand name: Maxair) and terbutaline (one brand name: Brethine). These medications are usually taken 15 minutes before exercise and last 4 to 6 hours. Your doctor will tell you how to take your medicine. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully to make sure your medicine is effective.
- A mast cell stabilizer, such as nedocromil sodium (brand name: Tilade) or cromolyn sodium (brand name: Intal). These medications are usually taken 15 minutes to 1 hour before exercise and last for 4 hours.
- A longer acting bronchodilator, such as formoterol (brand name: Foradil) or salmeterol (brand name: Serevent Diskus). This medication is usually taken 30 minutes before exercise and lasts up to 12 hours.
- An anti-leukotriene, such as montelukast sodium (brand name: Singulair) or zafirlukast (brand name: Accolate). This medication lasts up to 24 hours. These medicines are taken every day and help keep your airways from shrinking.
A warm-up and cool-down period of at least 15 minutes before and after exercise may help lessen your symptoms. Avoiding exercise in extremely cold temperatures or when pollen levels are high may also help reduce your symptoms.
Source
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.
Recognition and Management of Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm by T Sinha, MD; AK David, MD (American Family Physician February 15, 2003, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030215/769.html)
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