Exercise Induced Asthma (EIA)

Eighty to ninety percent of people with asthma have exercise induced asthma (EIA). In fact, EIA affects about nine to ten percent of those who have never been diagnosed with asthma.

Do you know the signs of EIA and what to do if you have symptoms?

Stage 1

Typical asthma symptoms - wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, etc. - often occur after six to eight minutes of vigorous exercise and may last 30 - 60 minutes after exercise. Symptoms may become severe enough to make the sufferer stop exercising and take his or her medications. Many physicians feel that this is the most dangerous stage, because it may be difficult to reverse the symptoms.

Stage 2

Occurs after the initial bout of symptoms experienced in stage 1. During stage 2, the individual may have few or no symptoms for 30 - 90 minutes. Fifty percent of all those with EIA may experience this stage. Many athletes attempt to time their competition with this stage for better performance.

Stage 3

Twelve - 16 hours after the exercise session, the individual may experience asthma symptoms. Many physicians believe this is the easier stage to treat.

Want to avoid the EIA stages? Pre-medicate at least 30 minutes before you exercise if you have EIA. Those who do often remain symptom free, or have fewer symptoms than those who do not. Also, talk with your doctor about using a long-acting Beta 2 agonist or leukotriene antagonist for better symptom control.

If you need more information about Exercise Induced Asthma, call the Lung Center at 574-647-7620, or e-mail us at lungctr@memorialsb.org