Be cynical no more…
Exercise-induced asthma is when the airways narrow or squeeze during hard physical activity. It causes shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and other symptoms during or after exercise.
The medical term for this condition is exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Many people with asthma have exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. But people without asthma also can have it.
Risk factors
Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction is more likely to occur in:
- People with asthma. About 90% of people with asthma have exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. However, the condition also can occur in people without asthma.
- Elite athletes. Although anyone can have exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, it's more common in high-level athletes.
Factors that can increase the risk of the condition or act as triggers include:
- Dry air.
- Cold air.
- Air pollution.
- Chlorine in swimming pools.
- In a gym setting, fumes from perfume, paint, new equipment or carpet.
- Activities with long periods of deep breathing, such as long-distance running, swimming or soccer.