Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB)

Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a lung condition. EIB means that the tubes that bring air in and out of the lungs suddenly get narrow when you exercise. It is sometimes called exercise-induced asthma. 

You may have EIB if any of these occur after 5 to 10 minutes of exercise:

• You start to cough.

• Your chest feels tight, or you feel chest pain.

• You have trouble breathing.

• You have wheezing.

• You feel too short of breath.

EIB can occur in people who don’t have asthma. EIB can even occur in healthy athletes who don’t have asthma. It can also occur in people who have allergies. Exercise can also make asthma symptoms worse in most people who do have asthma.

Triggers

Experts don't fully know what causes EIB. Breathing in cold, dry, or polluted air is a risk factor. More air enters the lungs through the mouth, instead of the nose, during exercise. The air isn’t warm or moist like air that enters through the nose. The cold dry air can cause the airways to narrow.

Other risk factors, along with asthma, for EIB include:

• Sensitivity to cold, dry, or polluted air.

• Allergies that aren't well controlled, especially for nasal allergies.

• High pollen levels.

• Respiratory infection (viral).

Symptoms

You may have symptoms within minutes of starting to exercise if you have EIB. The symptoms are the same as asthma symptoms.

They may include:

• Shortness of breath.

• Wheezing or whistling sound with breathing.

• Tightness in the chest.

• Coughing.

• Chest tightness.

Some people have problems with their vocal cords. This causes symptoms that can seem like EIB. But medicines and remedies for EIB are often not helpful for vocal cord problems. Vocal cord problems usually cause trouble getting air into the lungs, while EIB typically causes trouble pushing the air out of the lungs. There are treatments for vocal cord problems. Talk to your doctor if you think you may have vocal cord problems instead of EIB.

The diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your health history. You will also have a physical exam. You may have tests to see how well your lungs work. The most common test is spirometry. Your breathing will be checked at rest and during exercise. This is called an exercise-challenge test.

Your doctor may advise you to take medicine before or during exercise. You may take an inhaled medicine, such as albuterol. This type of medicine is called a rescue or quick-relief medicine. You use it about 15 minutes before you exercise. You can also take it again during or after exercise, if needed.

You may already use controller medicines if you have asthma. This type of medicine is taken regularly to help prevent symptoms. Inhaled steroids are the most common type. Your doctor may prescribe one for you if you don't already use this kind of medicine. They may want you to take it if rescue medicines are not working.

Managing EIB

Living with EIB doesn’t mean you need to give up exercise. Exercise is important for good health. It also helps keep your lungs, heart, and the muscles used for breathing strong. Your body needs exercise. Ask your doctor how to exercise safely and with as few symptoms as possible. Most people who have EIB can exercise safely. Here are tips:

• Talk with your doctor about what exercise is safe for you.

• Take medicines before exercise, as prescribed.

• See your doctor if your symptoms get worse or happen more often.

• Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to show you how to correctly use your inhaler. (An inhaler is also called a metered-dose inhaler.)

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain how to use your medicines, inhaler, or both. Write down this information.

• Tell your exercise partner about your EIB and what to do in an emergency.

What you can do

Along with taking medicines, these things can help prevent or ease symptoms of EIB:

• Don’t exercise outside on cold, dry days. Cover your mouth with a mask or scarf if you are outside in cold weather.

• Don’t exercise outside when there is a lot of pollen or air pollution. Exercise indoors instead.

• Don't smoke. Ask your doctor for help quitting.

• Don't exercise when you are sick or when your allergies are bad.

• Start an exercise program slowly if you haven’t exercised in a while. Slowly increase how hard and how long you exercise.

• Warm up and cool down before and after exercise.

• Try different activities. See which ones work best for you. You may do better with activities that are done in warm places or only need short bursts of energy. These include swimming, walking, hiking, baseball, and golf.

• Take breaks and drink water before, during, and after exercise.

When to contact your doctor

Contact your doctor right away if:

• You are taking medicines for EIB and you are still having symptoms, such as:

  • Trouble doing normal activities.

  • Breathing fast.

• You have any questions about your medicines or exercise activities.

Asthma from any cause that is not under control can be very serious. It can be life-threatening. You may need to be treated in an emergency room. You may need to stay in the hospital. EIB can get in the way of an athlete's ability to take part in sports. But exercise is important. It gives many health benefits, especially for people with asthma. So don’t give up on an active lifestyle.

Call 911

Call 911 right away if:

• You have trouble breathing, fast breathing, or shortness of breath that doesn't get better with treatments.

• You have trouble talking or speaking.

• Your inhaler is not working and your symptoms are worse.

• You feel drowsy, dizzy, lightheaded, or confused.

• Your fingers or lips are turning blue, purple, or gray (pale).

• Your peak flow is worse after a treatment or as advised by your doctor and Asthma Action Plan.