Exercise-Induced Asthma (Cont.)

Preventing and Treating Exercise-Induced Asthma

Ideally, exercise-induced asthma can be prevented by pre-treatment with albuterol, an inhaled prescription medication that opens up the airways to allow for easier breathing. By administering this medication prior to physical activity, an asthma attack may be prevented.
 
Other methods for preventing asthma symptoms include:
 
  • Warming up with light-intensity exercise before doing more strenuous activities
  • Avoiding exercise in very cool or dry air conditions (or wearing a face mask)
  • Avoiding exercise in air that has a lot of pollen or pollution
  • Performing short-interval physical training to improve lung function.
     
To treat an acute attack of exercise-induced asthma, albuterol may again be used to open up the airways. If an acute attack occurs, the individual should stop the physical activity immediately and administer the proper medication, seeking medical attention if necessary.
 
By combining proper prevention and treatment of exercise-induced asthma, affected individuals should be able to participate in and enjoy sports and outdoor activities safely.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD