Exercise is great for health and well-being, and having asthma shouldn't stop you playing sport or taking part in any other activity. However, most people with asthma will have asthma symptoms if they exercise in dry or cold air. This is called exercise-induced asthma (EIA). Even someone with well-managed asthma, who uses preventers, may still have EIA. 

There are a number of different ways to help prevent EIA. Your doctor will work out what you need. 

• Take your normal dose (2 puffs) of your reliever inhaler (Airomir, Asmol, Bricanyl, Epaq or Ventolin) or Intal Forte CFC Free or Tilade CFC Free) immediately before you begin to exercise. This should give you 2-3 hours without symptoms. 

Some people will need 4 puffs of Intal Forte or Tilade. Some will need 2 puffs of reliever plus 2-4 puffs of Intal Forte or Tilade. 

• Alternatively, your doctor may recommend a symptom controller (Foradile, Oxis, Serevent), which is used 30 minutes to 2 hours before exercise. 
• Keep your reliever (Airomir, Asmol, Bricanyl, Epaq or Ventolin) handy when exercising. If you have an asthma attack, take 2-4 puffs. If the attack is severe, repeat the dose 4 minutes later. 
• Get medical help if the attack does not go away. 
• Being physically fit does not lessen the severity of EIA, but you would have to exercise harder to get it. A warm-up before exercise may help. Swimming does not usually trigger severe attacks because you are breathing in moist air. Nor does exercise which includes some breaks, such as tennis. Breathing through your nose can help reduce EIA severity but is difficult if you are exercising hard. 
• About 50% of people who get EIA are able to exercise again within 1-2 hours without getting EIA. 
• The severity of EIA depends on how long and hard you exercise and how dry and cool the air is. You will have fewer attacks if you exercise more gently for shorter periods and in more humid air. 

Contact your local Asthma Foundation for more information on exercise-induced asthma on 1800 645 130.

Content Updated 6 June 2002