Do I Have Exercise-Induced Asthma?

Do your symptoms begin during or soon after exercise (usually 5 to 10 minutes after stopping exercise)?

Do your symptoms withdraw within the next 30 minutes?

Do you have a diagnosis of asthma?

Do you cough?

Do you cough after coming inside from being active outdoors?

Do you have wheezing?

Do you have shortness of breath?

Do you have chest tightness or pain?

Do you have unusual fatigue while exercising and decreased endurance (worse sports performance than expected)?

Are you unable to run for more than a few minutes without stopping?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have exercise-induced asthma. Exercise-induced asthma is a medical condition characterized by narrowing of the airways in the lungs due to vigorous exercise. In fact, narrowing of the airways is known as bronchoconstriction, so the more accurate name for this condition is exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. It is characterized by breathing difficulties during, or soon after exercise. Exercise-induced asthma can affect anyone, but it is more common in people with asthma and in high-level athletes. Cold or dry air, air pollution, or prolonged periods of deep breathing, while running or swimming can act as triggers to this condition.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have exercise-induced asthma. Exercise-induced asthma or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a medical condition that refers to an airflow obstruction that occurs because of exercise. During exercise, your body has an increased need for oxygen, so you breathe faster and deeper. Most people breathe through their mouths during exercise, inhaling air that is a little drier and colder than when they inhale it through the nose. Dry and cold air cause airways to narrow and asthma symptoms to develop. Diagnosis is based on a physical examination and tests to assess your lung function.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have exercise-induced asthma. Exercise-induced asthma is also known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). It is a medical condition in which breathing difficulties begin due to vigorous physical activity. The symptoms appear during exercise and are most intense five to ten minutes after stopping exercise. They usually withdraw within the next 30 minutes. The severity of symptoms can vary. Some people may experience so-called "late-phase" symptoms and have difficulty breathing 4 to 12 hours after exercise. These symptoms are usually mild and resolve within 24 hours. Exercise-induced asthma can be treated with medications.