Exercise-Induced Asthma: How to Prevent Attacks and Keep Moving
Ever cough, wheeze, or feel tight in the chest after a run or intense workout? That’s often exercise-induced asthma (EIA). It can hit people who have asthma and those who don’t notice symptoms at other times. The good news: with simple changes and the right meds, most people stay active without scary flare-ups.
Quick ways to avoid attacks
Warm up for 10–15 minutes before hard exercise. Start easy and build intensity slowly—this tricks your lungs into adjusting. If it’s cold or dry where you exercise, wear a scarf or mask over your mouth to warm and humidify the air. Choose lower-irritant activities when symptoms are bad: walking, yoga, and swimming are often easier on the lungs than sprinting or cold-weather sports.
Check the air quality and pollen levels. High pollution or heavy pollen days raise risk. Move workouts indoors or change the time you exercise (usually late morning to afternoon is better than early morning for pollen). Stay hydrated—throat dryness can make symptoms worse.
Medications and practical tips
If you get symptoms, a short-acting bronchodilator (often called a rescue inhaler) is your go-to. Use it 10–15 minutes before exercise if your doctor recommends it. Learn proper inhaler technique and use a spacer if you have one—more medicine reaches your lungs that way. If rescue inhalers aren’t enough, doctors may add a daily controller like an inhaled steroid or a leukotriene blocker.
Don’t ignore frequent symptoms. If you need your rescue inhaler more than twice a week for exercise or daily life, see a clinician. They can test lung function or run an exercise challenge to confirm EIA and tailor treatment. Also tell your coach or workout partner about your rescue plan—simple support can prevent panic during an attack.
Practice breathing techniques like nasal breathing and controlled exhalation. They won’t replace medicine but can reduce coughing and panic during mild episodes. Use a peak flow meter at home if your doctor suggests it—tracking numbers helps spot worsening control before it becomes an emergency.
Know emergency signs: severe breathlessness, trouble speaking, lips or fingernails turning blue, or if your rescue inhaler doesn’t help. In that case, seek urgent care. For most people, though, EIA is manageable: plan ahead, use medications correctly, and pick the right environment and warm-up. Want specific tips for your sport or inhaler type? Talk to your healthcare provider or a pharmacist—they can make a simple, safe plan that fits your routine and keeps you active.
