Exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB), also known as exercise-induced asthma, is a condition characterized by narrowing of the airways in the lungs during or shortly after physical exertion. It affects individuals, particularly those with existing or underlying asthma or respiratory conditions, causing difficulty in breathing.
During exercise, the increased respiratory rate and the inhalation of cooler and drier air can trigger the release of various substances, such as histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins, which constrict the airway smooth muscles, leading to bronchospasms. The exact mechanism behind EIB is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve the irritation of the airway lining, increased inflammation, and hypersensitivity of the airway muscles.
Symptoms of EIB may include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness or discomfort, and decreased exercise performance. These symptoms usually occur within a few minutes of starting exercise and can persist for up to 30 minutes afterward.
To diagnose exercise-induced bronchospasm, doctors may perform a pulmonary function test before and after exercise, which measures lung function parameters such as forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). Reduction in FEV1 by a specified percentage after exercise compared to baseline indicates the presence of EIB.
Treatment for exercise-induced bronchospasm may involve the use of short-acting bronchodilators such as albuterol before exercise, which relaxes the airway smooth muscles and improves airflow. In some cases, long-acting bronchodilators or anti-inflammatory medications like inhaled corticosteroids may be prescribed to manage EIB in individuals with persistent symptoms.
It is important for individuals with exercise-induced bronchospasm to warm
