Tag: Asthma

Jul 01

What Is Exercise-Induced Asthma—And How Do You Know if You Have It?

Feeling out of breath when exercising is a common occurrence and typically a good indicator of how hard you’re working. That’s because it may mean you’re making the effort necessary to keep or enhance your fitness level. However, it’s not always a good sign if your workout leaves you gasping for air. Why? Possible symptoms of exercise-induced asthma, which is easily diagnosed and treated but can be life-threatening if left unchecked. So, how can you distinguish between the typical breathlessness of an exercise and anything more concerning? This is the information you require. What is Exercise-Induced Asthma? Exercise-induced asthma, also known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction or exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB), occurs when physical activity triggers the narrowing or spasming of the muscles around the airways, leading to breathing difficulties. EIB is relatively common, affecting approximately 5 to 20% of individuals. It is often seen in people who already have chronic asthma triggered by other factors such as allergies, pollution, or respiratory infections. However, about 20% of individuals with EIB do not have chronic asthma and only experience asthma symptoms during exercise, according to Dr. Purvi S. Parikh, an allergist and immunologist at NYU Langone Health. Although EIB may sound concerning, it is a highly manageable condition. With proper treatment and care, EIB is unlikely to significantly affect your exercise routine. In fact, many elite athletes, including Olympians, have successfully managed their EIB and continue to excel in their sports, as noted by Dr. Parikh. Symptoms of Exercise-Induced Asthma During or after your workout, symptoms of exercise-induced asthma (EIB) may arise. While these symptoms may initially resemble the normal response to exercise, there are important distinctions to be aware of. Recognizing these differences is crucial in order to halt your workout if you suspect an asthma attack. Dr. Parikh emphasizes the danger of continuing to exercise with compromised breathing. Uncontrolled exercise-induced asthma, as well as any form of asthma, can be life-threatening. Dr. Parikh advises individuals experiencing the following symptoms to immediately cease exercising and promptly consult their doctor for an EIB diagnosis. It is particularly important to seek evaluation since other serious conditions, including heart problems, can mimic EIB. Symptoms of EIB include: 1. Difficulty breathing: This goes beyond mild breathlessness associated with exercise. It can feel as if you are trying to breathe through a straw and may persist even after you’ve finished exercising. 2. Coughing: Occasional coughing is typically harmless, but excessive coughing during or after your workout may indicate EIB. 3. Chest tightness and pain: More intense than the usual exercise-induced chest tightness, this sensation involves a squeezing feeling in the chest, ribs, and possibly back. It may persist after you’ve stopped exercising. 4. Wheezing: Characterized by a whistling or rumbling sound during breathing. 5. Dizziness: This is a more severe symptom of EIB and occurs when the airway is significantly constricted, leading to inadequate oxygen intake. What Are the Causes or Risk Factors Individuals with chronic asthma and allergies are at a higher risk of developing exercise-induced asthma (EIB), although the exact reasons why some people develop EIB while others do not remain unclear. Genetic factors may contribute to its occurrence, according to Dr. Parikh. Various factors can trigger EIB in those who have the condition. While any form of exercise can potentially induce EIB, activities that are more cardio-focused and intense, such as running, HIIT workouts, swimming, and heavy weightlifting, are more likely to elicit symptoms, explains Dr. Parikh. Additionally, endurance sports that involve sustained effort, like soccer and long-distance running, are more commonly associated with EIB compared to activities involving intermittent high-intensity bursts, like baseball and football, as stated by Dr. Smart. Weather conditions can also play a role in triggering EIB. Cold weather exercise, such as cross-country skiing, ice skating, or winter running, can prompt symptoms due to the irritation caused by cold, dry air, leading to the constriction of airway muscles, according to Dr. Anand. Conversely, for some individuals, exercising in hot and humid weather can trigger EIB, as mentioned by Dr. Parikh. Other triggers for EIB include pollution, allergies, and irritants like chlorine. How is Exercise-Induced Asthma Diagnosed? The process of diagnosing exercise-induced asthma (EIB) can vary depending on the individual, but typically doctors will begin by gathering information about your medical history to assess the possibility of EIB. They may then conduct a pulmonary function test, during which you blow into a tube connected to a computer that measures your lung function and detects any inflammation in the airways. The results of this test can help determine whether asthma is present, as explained by Dr. Parikh. In some cases, your doctor may also have you exercise on a treadmill and then assess your lung function afterwards to determine if there was a significant drop, which would indicate the presence of EIB, according to Dr. Smart. If your doctor suspects that allergies may be contributing to your symptoms of EIB, they may recommend allergy tests. Alternatively, if they suspect that another underlying condition, such as a heart condition, is causing symptoms similar to EIB, they may order further evaluations, as mentioned by Dr. Parikh. The diagnostic approach may vary based on individual circumstances to ensure an accurate and comprehensive evaluation. What Are the Treatment Options? As previously mentioned, exercise-induced asthma (EIB) is a manageable condition that should not hinder your ability to engage in physical activity when properly treated. Seeking medical attention is crucial if you suspect you have EIB, as it can be effectively managed with appropriate interventions. The most common treatment for EIB involves using a fast-acting asthma medication, such as albuterol, through inhalation before exercising. Albuterol helps relax the muscles surrounding the airways, preventing EIB symptoms. Taking albuterol approximately 15 minutes before a workout is typically effective in preventing EIB symptoms altogether. Some individuals, particularly those with chronic asthma, may require daily use of anti-inflammatory medications like Singulair or inhaled steroids. In certain cases, a combination of long-acting asthma medication and steroids may be necessary. Consulting with your primary

Jul 01

How Is Asthma Treated?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms ranging from mild to severe, such as difficulty breathing and tightness in the chest. While asthma cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed through various treatment options. These treatments aim to prevent and alleviate symptoms, reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, and maintain optimal lung function. Inhaled medications, including corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and bronchodilators to relax the airway muscles, are commonly used to control asthma symptoms. Lifestyle modifications, such as identifying and avoiding triggers that can exacerbate asthma, also play a crucial role in managing the condition. The management of asthma may involve a collaborative approach, with healthcare professionals such as primary care physicians, allergists, and pulmonologists overseeing your care. They will work together to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, considering factors such as your symptoms, medical history, and individual circumstances. Regular monitoring, adjustments to medication dosages as needed, and ongoing communication with your healthcare team are important aspects of managing asthma effectively. Medications Medications play a vital role in the treatment of asthma by reducing inflammation, relaxing the airways, and managing symptoms. There are four main categories of asthma medications: quick-relief medications, long-term control medications, combination quick-relief and controller medications, and biologics. Asthma medications can be taken through different methods. Inhalers, also known as puffers, deliver medication directly into the lungs as a spray mist. Nebulizers, on the other hand, convert liquid medication into a mist that is inhaled through a mask or mouthpiece. Injections or infusions are used for administering biologics, while oral medications are taken by mouth in the form of capsules, pills, or liquids. Quick Relief Medicines Quick-relief medications, also known as rescue or short-acting medications, provide immediate relief of asthma symptoms during an asthma attack. They are particularly useful for individuals with mild asthma or exercise-induced asthma. These medications work by relaxing the muscles surrounding the airways, helping to open them up and alleviate symptoms. It is recommended to carry a quick-relief inhaler at all times in case of an asthma attack. Common quick-relief medications for asthma include: 1. Short-acting beta2-agonists (SABAs): SABAs rapidly open the airways by relaxing the surrounding muscles and clearing mucus from the lungs. 2. Short-acting anticholinergics: These medications relax the muscles around the airways, making breathing easier. Anticholinergics may be prescribed to individuals who cannot tolerate SABAs or may be used in combination with SABAs during emergencies. 3. Oral corticosteroids: These medications are taken by mouth in the form of capsules or liquid for a short period to reduce airway inflammation and swelling when symptoms persist for several days and other medications do not provide sufficient relief. Long-term Control Medicines Long-term control medications, also known as maintenance medications, are taken regularly to prevent and manage asthma symptoms over the long term. These medications are used even when asthma symptoms are not present, as they help reduce inflammation and keep the airways open. By doing so, they reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks and improve lung function. Common long-term control medications for asthma include: Combination Quick-Relief and Control Medicines Quick-relief, controller, and combination medications combine a bronchodilator and a long-acting drug in a single inhaler to provide rapid relief and sustained control, respectively. Asthma sufferers with moderate to severe cases are often administered combination inhalers for both short- and long-term symptom alleviation and inflammation management. Current clinical recommendations for the treatment of asthma encourage the use of combination drugs; however, the FDA has not yet authorized such medicines for this purpose. Biologics Biologic medications are used to treat severe asthma that does not respond well to standard treatments. These medications target specific cells and antibodies in the body that are involved in triggering inflammation in response to asthma triggers. By targeting these specific pathways, biologics help to reduce the frequency of asthma attacks and the severity of symptoms. Biologic medications are typically administered through injections or intravenous (IV) infusions, and they are usually given in a doctor’s office every few weeks. There are several biologic drugs available for the treatment of asthma: To determine the most effective biologic for your condition, your healthcare provider may order blood tests or conduct other assessments to evaluate your specific needs and response to treatment. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to find the most appropriate biologic medication and to monitor your asthma symptoms and overall response to the treatment. Bronchial Thermoplasty Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) is a medical procedure that may be recommended for individuals with severe, uncontrolled asthma. Over time, the muscle tissue lining the airways can thicken in severe asthma cases, leading to narrowed airways and worsening symptoms. During a BT procedure, a thin bronchoscope tube is inserted through the mouth and into the airways. Once the tube is properly positioned, a small, heated electrode is used to apply heat to the smooth muscle tissue in the airways, effectively removing excess tissue. Typically, BT is performed in three separate sessions, with each session targeting a different area of the lungs. The goal of BT is to open the airways, reduce the frequency of asthma attacks, and alleviate other related symptoms. Immunotherapy Immunotherapy is a treatment approach that involves controlled exposure to allergens that trigger asthma symptoms, specifically in individuals with allergic asthma. Before starting immunotherapy, allergy testing is conducted to identify the specific allergens that provoke your symptoms and ensure the effectiveness of the treatment. Immunotherapy typically consists of a series of injections or sublingual tablets containing gradually increasing doses of the allergens. The purpose is to build tolerance and desensitize the immune system to these allergens, thereby reducing allergic reactions. The duration of immunotherapy varies based on individual response, but it can span several years until allergy symptoms are minimized or eliminated. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Some CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) treatments have shown promise in symptom management. While complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies cannot replace conventional medical