Exercise induced asthma

Did you know that cold and dry air can exacerbate breathing problems during exercise?  During exercise we often breathe through our mouths.  Breathing through the nose helps to moisten and warm up the air.  Breathing through our mouths results in colder and drier air hitting the lungs.  When this air meets the moist air in the lungs an asthma attack can occur for those prone to exercise induced asthma.  Asthma causes temporary inflammation and narrowing of the air passages.  This can present as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.  There are many causes of exercise induced asthma, but they mainly fall in to two categories - allergens and irritants.

 

Allergens

• seasonal pollens

• dust mites, molds, pets and insect paarts (Yuck! This includes cockroaches too! Double yuck!!!)

   

• fish, eggs, peanuts, nuts, cow's milk and soy (Vegan's have an advantage here)

   

• additives (eg. sulphites - regularly found in dried fruits!)

   

• latex (alternatives to latex first aid gloves may be a good idea)

   

 

Allergens picture from knowabouthealth.com

 

Irritants

• respiratory infections (viral colds, bronchitis and sinusitis - bear this in mind when you wonder whether to push through training when you are unwell)

   

• drugs such as aspirin, NSAIDs and beta blockers (Ibuprofen falls in to this category!)

   

• tobacco smoke

   

• paints, detergents, spray deodorants, chemicals and perfumes

   

• exercise in cold and dry conditions

   

• laughing, crying, yelling and distress (I guess these cause your windpipe to go in to spasm)

   

• hormonal factors such as premenstrual syndrome

   

 

Asthma causes from clivir.com

 

Statistics show that adult onset asthma is more prevalent in middle aged women, and that it often follows post respiratory tract infection.

 

What happens during an episode?

Airways begin to swell (bronchospasm) and secrete mucus.  This mucus can partly block and obstruct the airway.  This obviously challenges breathing.  As we read above, distress can exacerbate symptoms, so keeping calm is key. Episodes of exercise induced exercise can typically occur 5 to 20 minutes in to exercise.

 

If left untreated, and the inflammation persists, narrowing can occur of the airways.  I saw this a lot in the horses I worked with and trained over the years.  You would have heard of this condition being referred to as COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.  This umbrella term covers emphysema and chronic (long-term) bronchitis.

 

Things that help?

Seeking professional healthcare advice - this is obviously a MUST, Peppermint essential oil to inhale and sipping water.  Finding an understanding coach/personal trainer is of paramount importance.

 

Coaches need to be aware that athletes are not lacking conditioning, and that time to take medication and obtain relief is required.

 

My next blog will cover breathing tips during exercise.  You may want to refer to this blog about the Metaboreflex too.

 

Do be sure to sign up for updates and special offers on the LSM webpage.