Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance 9th Edition by Scott Powers, Edward Howley

Exercise 5

How is exercise-induced asthma triggered, and how do medications reduce the chance of an attack?

Step 1 of 3

Asthma is a chronic response inflammation of the airways and a reversible airway obstruction. People suffering from asthma feel difficulty in breathing and produce a wheezing sound while they breathe. The hyper secretion of mucus, the swelling of the mucous cells, and the contraction of smooth muscle around the airways is responsible for this wheezing sound.

The main contributing factor to asthma is allergy or hypersensitivity. Exercise may also induce asthma in several people. Asthma attacks may occur within 15 min to about 6 hours after exercise. The prevalence of exercise induced asthma (EIA) is more during winter seasons and those who participate in summer endurance sports.