By Sama Marwan,
Some asthma patients may experience severe symptoms during physical activity. This condition often affects those who have difficulty managing their asthma consistently, and it’s known as Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB).
Asthma Symptoms in Athletes
According to a report published by the medical site KidsHealth, signs and symptoms of an asthma attack during exercise may include:
Wheezing or significant chest tightness
Sharp chest pain, coughing, or shortness of breath
Feeling extremely tired, weak, or fatigued during physical activity
Intense coughing after returning from outdoor exercise
Inability to run for more than a few minutes
Managing the Symptoms
Asthma symptoms triggered by exercise usually appear 5 to 10 minutes after starting a workout and typically peak around the 15-minute mark of intense exercise. These symptoms can take up to an hour to fully subside.
If you’re dealing with exercise-induced asthma, it’s important to manage the condition properly. Exercise plays a key role in improving lung function, respiratory muscles, and overall fitness, so quitting physical activity altogether isn’t the solution. Instead, the focus should be on learning how to manage your asthma while staying active.
You can and should maintain physical activity while controlling asthma symptoms.
Work with your doctor to develop a personalized asthma management plan—and stick to it.
It’s worth noting that many top athletes suffer from respiratory asthma, and that hasn’t stopped them from excelling in their sports.
Practical Tips for Exercising with Asthma
Take your prescribed asthma medication about 15 to 30 minutes before exercise.
Do warm-up exercises before your workout to help prevent chest tightness.
Examples: 5–10 minutes of brisk walking or stretching and flexibility exercises.
If symptoms start to increase, reduce the intensity of your workout and take your medication as needed.
Avoid exercising outdoors in very cold weather or during high pollen days.
If needed, cover your mouth and nose with a scarf or opt for indoor exercise.
Always keep your inhaler and medications with you. Never exercise without them.
If symptoms become severe, seek medical help immediately—never ignore serious warning signs.
Staying active with asthma is not only possible—it’s beneficial. With proper planning and medication, you can enjoy your favorite physical activities while keeping asthma under control.
