Asthmatic patients suffer from severe lung congestion, breathing difficulties in winter, but few people suffer from similar signs of asthma only during or soon after the workout, in all seasons.

Can't Breathe Post Workout

This condition is known as EIA (exercise-induced asthma or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction(EIB).

If one suffers from cough or breathlessness during or after exercise, they tend to assume that it is a sign of bad health.

However, several studies prove that Exercise Induced Asthma is a common condition that can affect any age group. If a child even without a prior history of asthma and allergies is suffering from decreased lung function after playing vigorously, it’s time to check for EIA.

Signs And Symptoms Of EIA

The common signs and symptoms of EIA include wheezing, pain in the chest, coughing, breathlessness for a short time. These symptoms generally show up within 5 to 10 minutes after beginning the exercise and would last for up to an hour, post workout.

Treatment

Doctors may prescribe asthma medication generally used for flare-ups, to be taken before exercise.

Inhaling this medication before workout opens the airways in the lungs and this is called as pretreatment. If the pretreatment doesn’t work, pulmonologists may recommend long-term control medicine that helps in keeping the airways open for longer periods.

Sports For People With Exercise-Induced Asthma

People suffering from EIA can still exercise for fitness and to strengthen the breathing muscles in the chest and improve lung function.

Walking, jogging, golf, are considered low risk fitness routines for the EIA patients.

Tips To Manage EIA

  • Start with a proper warm up before exercise to prevent chest tightening.
  • If you are on pretreatment take your medicine before starting the exercise.
  • Breathe through your nose during exercise.
  • Take short rests during workouts.
  • Stay away from working out if the weather is really cold.
  • If pollen or pollution triggers your asthma, exercise indoors.
  • Avoid exercise when you have a cold or the flu.
  • If asthma symptoms persist don’t exercise.