Exercise-induced asthma does not pertain to people with existing chronic asthma. Instead, this condition denotes the contraction of muscle bands around airways in response to temperature changes during exercise. People with exercise-induced asthma will experience general asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. At Allergy and Asthma Specialty Center/Masood Ahmad, M.D. in West Chester, OH, Dr. Masood Ahmad helps each patient find the asthma treatment that works best for them.

How Do You Treat Exercise-Induced Asthma?

1. Inhalers

• Using inhalers before a workout can help prevent the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma. Two common types of asthma inhalers are beta-2 agonists and cromolyn sodium. These are considered short-acting bronchodilators, which are used to alleviate sudden asthma symptoms. When inhaled several minutes before your exercise routine, these medications will prevent the airways from contracting. 
• Ask your doctor whether inhaled corticosteroids—which are often used as a long-term asthma treatment—could be an effective medicinal solution for you.

2. Warmups

Warming up before and cooling down after exercise is a natural way to prevent asthma symptoms. This will allow the muscle bands to adjust to changes in air temperature before engaging in vigorous exertion, making them less likely to contract.

3. Restrict Exercise When You’re Sick

If you are prone to exercise-induced asthma, refrain from exercise when you’re sick or when there are high concentrations of pollen in the air. Only exercise when conditions are conducive to your body’s tendencies so as not to aggravate asthma symptoms.

If you don’t have chronic asthma but experience similar symptoms during exercise, visit an allergist or asthma doctor to receive the proper treatment. Allergy and Asthma Specialty Center/Masood Ahmad, M.D. in West Chester, OH, provides customized asthma treatments for a variety of conditions. Call today at (513) 777-7097 to schedule an appointment, or visit the website to learn more.