Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB), also known as exercise-induced asthma, is a condition where the airways in the lungs narrow during or after exercise, making it difficult to breathe. This can lead to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. EIB is caused by the loss of heat, water, or both from the airways during exercise when quickly breathing in air that is drier than what is already in the body.
Some common symptoms of EIB include shortness of breath or wheezing, decreased endurance, tightness in the chest, cough, upset stomach, and sore throat. Triggers for EIB can include airborne irritants related to specific sports, such as chlorine when swimming, pollution while running or cycling, cold, dry air while ice skating or playing hockey, and air temperature during hot yoga. The activities that are most likely to cause EIB symptoms require constant activity or are done in cold weather, such as soccer, basketball, long-distance running, ice hockey, ice skating, and cross-country skiing. On the other hand, activities that are least likely to cause EIB symptoms include walking, hiking, recreational biking, or sports requiring only short bursts of activity, such as volleyball, gymnastics, baseball, wrestling, golf, swimming, football, and short-distance track and field sports.
To manage EIB, individuals can warm up with gentle exercises for about 15 minutes before starting more intense physical activity, cover their mouth and nose with a scarf or face mask when exercising in cold weather, try to breathe through their nose while exercising to warm the air that goes into their lungs, and avoid triggers. Medication, such as inhaled steroids, can also be prescribed to help prevent and manage symptoms. Lifestyle changes, including warming up and cooling down for at least 15 minutes before and after exercise, can also help lessen EIB symptoms.
