 Exercise-induced
Asthma
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.
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