Five fast facts about exercise-induced asthma
Written by Sarah Thebarge, Physician Assistant and medically reviewed by Dr. Betsy Koickel, MD on April 15th, 2025
Exercise-induced asthma (EIA) is a condition that causes the muscles around the airway to spasm, which leads to a widespread narrowing of the airway. This can make breathing difficult, particularly if you are already out of breath due to exercise.
EIA is a common condition that affects up to 15% of the U.S. population. Here’s what you should know about this respiratory condition.
What is exercise-induced asthma?
Exercise-induced asthma, also known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), is a narrowing of the airways in the lungs triggered by strenuous exercise.
While the name might suggest that exercise causes asthma, this isn’t the case.
In fact, 90% of people with asthma will experience EIA during exercise, but you don’t have to have asthma to experience symptoms of exercise-induced asthma.
5 facts about exercise-induced asthma
Here are a few facts about exercise-induced asthma you might not know.
1. Exercise doesn’t actually cause asthma
Exercise-induced asthma is also referred to as exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) to alleviate the misperception that exercise is the cause of asthma. The truth is that exercise does not cause asthma; it exacerbates asthma in people who already have it.
If you have not been diagnosed with asthma but notice respiratory distress after exercising, you should consult with a healthcare provider. They can confirm a diagnosis and provide you with a care plan to control asthma symptoms.
2. There are several ways to diagnose exercise-induced asthma
Exercise-induced asthma is often diagnosed based on symptoms and exam findings. Common exercise-induced asthma symptoms are wheezing and shortness of breath that typically begin ten minutes into aerobic exercise and persist for up to two hours after.
It also typically is worse in cold, dry weather and in places where there are high levels of airborne allergens or air pollution.
To confirm the diagnosis, formal tests can be conducted where a patient’s lung capacity is measured before, during and after exercise and before and after an inhaled asthma medication is administered.
3. Pharmacologic treatments are available
The most common exercise-induced asthma treatment is a handheld inhaler that contains a medication called albuterol. Albuterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes the muscles around the airway, which allows the airway to open so patients can breathe more easily.
In addition, patients with moderate or severe asthma often benefit from long-acting bronchodilators and steroid inhalers that reduce inflammation.
4. There are also nonpharmacologic ways to reduce EIA symptoms
Patients can do several things to improve EIA symptoms that don’t involve medication. Doing gentle warmup exercises for about 15 minutes before intense aerobic exercise can be helpful.
Breathing through the nose rather than the mouth while exercising outdoors can help hydrate and warm the air before it reaches the lungs. Wearing a face mask can also help protect the airway against dry, cold air. Exercising during warmer times of the day can help as well.
5. It’s important to recognize red flags
Unfortunately, EIA can trigger an asthma attack that doesn’t respond to albuterol or other inhalers. Patients who experience severe shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, dizziness, blue lips or fingernails or difficulty speaking should seek immediate medical attention since asthma attacks can be fatal if patients don’t receive emergency care.
Exercise-induced asthma treatment options
Depending on test results, your doctor might prescribe a medication to help with symptoms of exercise-induced asthma. The best course of asthma treatment will be based on unique health conditions and the kinds of activities he or she wants to participate in.
- Short-acting bronchodilator: This type of treatment is designed to stop symptoms immediately. It can be taken 15 to 30 minutes before strenuous activity to prevent symptoms for two to four hours. Short-acting bronchodilators can also be used after the onset of symptoms to reverse their effect.
- Long-acting bronchodilator: This type of treatment needs to be taken 30 to 60 minutes before strenuous activity and can help prevent symptoms for 10 to 12 hours. It should only be administered once in 12 hours. Since long-acting bronchodilators don’t offer immediate relief, they shouldn’t be used once symptoms have begun.
- Mast cell stabilizer: This type of treatment is also used to prevent EIA symptoms before they begin. They should be taken 15 to 20 minutes before strenuous activity and are ineffective once symptoms have started. Sometimes, mast cell stabilizers are used in conjunction with a short-acting bronchodilator.
Besides medication, there are also natural treatments for exercise-induced asthma that can help. These include:
- Warming up before intense physical activity to prevent chest tightening (with ten to 15 minutes of light activity such as jogging or stretches)
- Breathing through your nose instead of your mouth when exercising
- Avoiding triggers by making changes to your exercise routine
- Avoid exercising during times when you are also afflicted by seasonal allergies
- Cooling down after exercise to slow the change in temperature in your lungs
When to seek medical help
If you are having severe shortness of breath, you need to seek emergency medical attention.
If you believe you may have exercise-induced asthma, you can visit an urgent care in your neighborhood. We can help provide treatment options that can help you work out without difficulty.
To get started, find the center nearest you and walk in or save your spot online. Our healthcare professionals are trained in treating patients with asthma attacks and wheezing and offer care during evenings, weekends and holidays when you need it most.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about EIA.
What are the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma?
Some of the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma include:
- Chest tightness
- Coughing
- Decreased endurance
- Shortness of breath
- Upset stomach
- Wheezing
These symptoms typically begin five to ten minutes after you start exercising and peak five to ten minutes after stopping an activity.
Sometimes, you may only get symptoms after you stop exercising, which can last up to an hour or longer.
How is exercise-induced asthma different from regular asthma?
Exercise-induced asthma is triggered by physical activity. Regular asthma is chronic and can be triggered by allergens, irritants, infections and environmental conditions.
What is the best treatment for exercise-induced asthma?
Treatments for exercise-induced asthma may include medications, like the inhaled steroid albuterol and lifestyle changes, such as warming up slowly before exercise.
Can I still exercise with exercise-induced asthma?
Yes, you can exercise with EIA as long as it is well-managed. Regular exercise can help improve lung function.
How do you prevent exercise-induced asthma symptoms?
Using a preventive inhaler, warming up before working out and trying to avoid breathing in cold air can help prevent symptoms of EIA.
Is exercise-induced asthma dangerous?
If EIA is well-managed, it is not dangerous. However, if asthma is not well controlled, it can lead to more serious symptoms.
When should I see a doctor for exercise-induced asthma?
You should see a doctor for EIA if symptoms are getting worse, your medications aren’t working, or you are having severe difficulty breathing during exercise.
Can cold weather trigger exercise-induced asthma?
Yes, cold weather can trigger EIA since cold air constricts the airways in the lungs.
How long do exercise-induced asthma symptoms last?
Symptoms typically begin five to ten minutes after exercising and peak five to ten minutes after stopping an activity.
Do inhalers help with exercise-induced asthma?
Yes, an albuterol inhaler can help with acute symptoms. Long-term inhalers can help control asthma over time.
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