By Nikki Bennett, MS, ATC, LAT Dayton Sports Medicine Institute
If you find yourself wheezing and coughing while exercising you may have exercise induced asthma or EIB. Symptoms usually begin within 5-20 min after exercise begins or 5-10 min after brief exercise has stopped.
Those who have a history of asthma can have an attack with exercise, but it is also possible to have asthma attacks only with exercise. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t exercise. With proper treatment you can remain active.
In addition to coughing and wheezing, symptoms include:
Shortness of breath
Tightness in the chest
Fatigue during exercise
Poor athletic performance
If you are having these symptoms, don’t assume the symptoms are because you are out of shape. Check with your physician.
All asthma attacks can be life threatening. You want to seek immediate medical attention if the shortness of breath or wheezing is quickly getting worse, shortness of breath that continues after you have recovered from your workout, or you are already using an inhaler and the symptoms are not getting better.
