Exercise-Induced Asthma

According to the World Health Organization, at least 300 million adults and children worldwide suffer from asthma or asthma-related conditions. Many of these people do not suffer from asthma in most cases, but experience symptoms such as wheezing, tight chest, or coughing after participating in any form of exercise.

What Causes Exercise-Induced Asthma?

Patients who suffer from exercise-induced asthma are often sensitive to low temperatures and dry air. Normally, air is warmed through the nose, but rigorous activities such as jogging can cause people to breathe in through the mouth, allowing cold air into the airways and the lungs.

Symptoms of exercise-induced asthma can also be triggered by pollen levels, air pollutants, nasal allergies, and respiratory infections.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Exercise-Induced Asthma

If you suspect that you suffer from exercise-induced asthma, contact the Atlanta asthma specialists at the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia. During an initial consultation, one of our doctors will begin by reviewing your medical history and performing a breathing test, called spirometry. In addition, you may be asked to complete a follow-up exercise challenge test.

For most cases of exercise-induced asthma, our specialists will prescribe daily medications to control symptoms, such as inhaled steroids, leukotriene modifiers, or cell stabilizers. Some patients also find that short-acting beta-antagonists medications such as albuterol are a helpful solution.

Our Atlanta asthma specialists also recommend limiting outdoor exercise during extremely cold weather, or when pollen counts are high.

Contact the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia

Don’t continue to suffer from exercise-induced asthma. Request an appointment with the board-certified doctors at the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia by calling (770) 459-0620, or filling out our online contact form.

The Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia has convenient locations in Carrollton, Villa Rica, Newnan, Smyrna/Vinings, Hiram, Peachtree City/Fayetteville, Acworth/Kennesaw, and Douglasville Georgia.