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Effort: symptoms, treatment and tips

Have you ever had coughing or shortness of breath during exercise? Maybe you have exercise asthma. In this article we discuss what exercise asthma is, how it is diagnosed and treated, and some tips for people who live with it.


What is exercise astma?

The high amount of air that flows along the mucous membranes of the airways during intensive physical activity can cause temporary narrowing of the respiratory tract and typical symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath.


Children's exercise astma

Although exercise asthma can occur at any age, it is more common in children and young adults. In children at the primary school age, the incidence is estimated to be 7 to 15%, with boys being more often affected than girls.


Symptoms of exercise astma

The symptoms of exercise astma may appear to be poor condition, but can be distinguished by coughing and shortness of breath that occur during the first minutes after exercise. These symptoms usually reach their peak 8 to 15 minutes after the exercise and usually disappear within the hour.


Diagnosis of exercise astma

An exercise test, which actively moves for at least 6 minutes to an intensity corresponding to 80% of the maximum heart rate, is necessary to establish with certainty that it is a exertion astma.


Treatment of exercise astma

Avoiding an attack is crucial, therefore it is recommended to inhale a short-acting medicine shortly before exercise. For children who are almost constantly on the move, a long-acting drug taken once or twice daily may be a better option.


Sports with exercise astma

People with asthma who regularly engage in sports often experience less pain from their condition than others. A good physical condition can lead to a higher volume of breathing, which makes them less likely to suffer from respiratory distress during an asthma attack. Moreover, they generally need less medication. Sports outdoors or well ventilated areas are recommended.


In short, exercise astma does not have to be an obstacle to staying active. With proper treatment and precautions, people with exercise asthma can maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Always consult a doctor for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

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