“Asthma: A chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that affects genetically susceptible individuals in response to various environmental triggers such as allergens, viral infection, exercise, cold, and stress.” (Bryant, 2012)
Exercise Induced Asthma: EIA Professor Phil Ross, M.S. CPT “Asthma: A chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that affects genetically susceptible individuals in response to various environmental triggers such as allergens, viral infection, exercise, cold, and stress.” (Bryant, 2012). When intense exercise of 80% maximal workload or greater is introduced, along with the additional contributing factors, the condition is referred to as Exercise Induced Asthma or EIA. The other contributing factors are loss of water (dehydration), increased heat or cold dry air, mucous production, exposure to allergens, viral infections, air quality and high levels of humidity. (Green, 2014) During the attack, the accumulation of mucus coupled with the narrowing of the smooth muscles surrounding the airway (bronchospasm) restrict the amount of available airflow and cause the body to work harder to supply oxygen to the system (Powers & Howley 2015, pg. 221). The resulting symptoms are tightened chest, wheezing, coughing and difficulty with breathing. This can all take place within the five to eight minutes of intense exercise in the presence of the aforementioned conditions and generally subsides 30 to 60 minutes after cessation of exercise. I have personally witnessed many athletes involved in EIA inspired episodes. Watching someone lose their breath can be very stressful. It’s important to remain calm and keep them calm as well. When it has developed into a severe condition, many of them use an Albuterol inhaler. This reduces the inflammation in the lungs and opens the bronchial passageways, thus enabling them to breath more freely. There are preventive methods that may be employed, or used in conjunction as well. Oral medications ingested daily, Leukotriene modifier; weekly allergy shots and Anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) therapy, may also be used. (Mayo Clinic, 2016) There are other, less severe methods such as breathing into a warm, moist cloth may be used during and EIA episode. Being cognizant of an athlete’s or client’s condition and the current environment would dictate lowering the intensity of the training session that day of moving to an indoor space, if possible, where the environment is controlled would be advisable. There have been instances of minimizing and/or even eliminating EIA through proper training and breathing techniques. This takes time and diligent practice to expand the individual’s breathing capacity and does not work for everyone. <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--> <!--[endif]--> References Bryant, Cedric X., Ph.D., FASM and Green, Daniel J. Essentials of Exercise Science for Fitness Professionals. (2010, 2011, 2012) American Council on Exercise. ISBN 9781890720315. 4851 Paramount Drive, San Diego, CA, 92123 Green , Daniel J., Project Editor. ACE, American Council on Exercise (2014). ISBN 978-1-890720-50-6. American Council on Exercise Personal Trainer Manual, Fifth Edition. Powers, Scott K., and Howley, Edward T. Exercise Physiology, Theory of Application and Performance. 9th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2015. Mayo Clinic Staff, Feb. 13, 2016 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/in-depth/allergies-and-asthma/art-20047458
