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Exercise Induced Asthma or EIA means physical exertion of exercising or playing sport triggering a bout of Asthma.

EIA is usually easily managed and should be part of any Asthma management plan.  As well as being good for you, regular physical activity can help you manage your condition.  People with Asthma should be able to participate in almost any sport or exercise if they take time to learn how to manage their Asthma so they can have a healthy, active lifestyle.   Scuba diving is the only sport not recommended.  Most individuals with EIA can exercise to their full potential if the condition is properly treated.  Many top athletes competing at national and international level have Asthma.

Most people with Asthma have Asthma symptoms if they exercise in dry or cold air.   When at rest, they breathe through their nose and the air is warmed, moistened and filtered as it enters their body. When they exercise, they need more oxygen and so breathe faster through their mouth.  Airways react to this cold, dry air and the muscles around them tighten.

Some of the symptoms of EIA include:

• Wheezing
• Coughing
• A feeling of tightness in the chest

• Breathlessness.

These symptoms can occur during or, more commonly, after exercise.
It is the type of exercise, the amount of time spent exercising and the intensity of exercise that is important. Typically, vigorous activity for six minutes or more in cold, dry air is more likely to trigger Asthma.

Preparing for exercise
One can reduce the risk or prevent exercise-induced Asthma by preparing for physical activity in a few simple ways:

• Make sure your day-to-day Asthma is well managed.
• Use your Asthma reliever medication around five to ten minutes before you warm up. Speak to your doctor for advice.
• Always warm up with light exercise and stretching for 10 to 15 minutes before you play sport or exercise.
• Always cool down.

If you get EIA during activity

If you feel the symptoms of EIA:

• Stop what you’re doing.

• Follow your Asthma Action Plan. If you do not have an Asthma Action Plan, take four separate puffs of your blue reliever medication (Airomir, Asmol, Bricanyl, Epaq or Ventolin). The medication is generally best taken one puff at a time via a spacer. Take four breaths from the spacer after each puff of medication.
• Wait four minutes.
• Only return to exercise or activity if you are free of symptoms.
• If the symptoms don’t go away, or if they return while you’re exercising, use your blue reliever as before. Do not return to any exercise or activity for the rest of the day and see your doctor.

A ‘spacer’ is a special device shaped like a clear plastic football or tube through which aerosol inhaler medications are inhaled. Bricanyl is the only reliever medication available in a dry powder inhaler and cannot be used with a spacer.

When to avoid exercise

You should avoid exercise if:

• Your Asthma is not under control.

• You have a cold or the flu.
• Your peak flow meter reading is less than 80 per cent of your usual best.

Things to remember

• Regular activity is an important part of life. Don’t let Asthma stop you from being active.

• Vigorous exercise can sometimes trigger exercise-induced Asthma.
• EIA can be prevented with medication and by preparing for exercise.