Exercise-Induced Asthma: How to Spot It and Stay Active

Do you cough, wheeze, or feel tight in the chest when you work out? That could be exercise-induced asthma (EIA). It’s common and doesn’t mean you must stop exercising. You just need simple steps to prevent attacks and keep moving safely.

Recognize the signs

Symptoms usually start during exercise or within 10–20 minutes after. Watch for wheezing, persistent cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or feeling unusually tired during activity. If symptoms improve after rest or after using a rescue inhaler, EIA is likely. Track when and where it happens—cold air, pollen, or strong smells often show up as triggers.

Practical tips to prevent attacks

Take a quick pre-exercise plan: use your short-acting bronchodilator (SABA) 10–15 minutes before exercise if your doctor recommends it. That often prevents symptoms for a few hours.

Warm up smart: spend 10–15 minutes doing light activity, then do short bursts of harder effort. Interval-style warm-ups reduce the chance of an attack compared with jumping straight into high intensity.

Pick the right sport: swimming and sports with short bursts of effort (like tennis or volleyball) trigger fewer attacks than long, steady runs. But if pool chlorine irritates you, try a well-ventilated or saltwater pool.

Watch the air: cold, dry air and high pollution or pollen levels raise risk. Wear a scarf over your mouth in cold weather to warm the air you breathe. On high-pollen days, pick indoor workouts or choose times when pollen is lower.

Improve breathing mechanics: breathe through your nose when possible, and focus on steady, controlled breaths rather than shallow rapid breathing. Simple breathing drills and a slow cooldown help too.

Use a spacer for inhalers if you have one—this helps medicine reach your lungs better. Carry your rescue inhaler during workouts and make sure teammates or coaches know where it is and how to help.

Track performance: use a peak flow meter to spot early drops in lung function. If your peak flow drops before symptoms start, back off the workout and use your rescue inhaler as directed.

Work with your doctor on daily control: if you need rescue inhalers often, you may need a daily controller like an inhaled steroid. Don’t stop or change meds without medical advice.

Know when to seek urgent care: get immediate help if you can’t speak full sentences, your lips or face turn blue, breathing gets much harder, or your rescue inhaler doesn’t help within 15–20 minutes.

Bottom line: most people with EIA stay active with a few practical changes. Plan ahead, warm up, use your inhaler correctly, and keep an eye on triggers. Want personalized tips for your sport or workout? Ask your doctor or asthma nurse—they can tailor a plan that keeps you moving safely.