Has your child ever complained to you about asthma-like symptoms after or during exercise but they have already been tested negative for asthma? This could be because your child may have EIB, or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. This is easily confused with just plain asthma but is actually relatively different in a medical treatment sense.
EIB or Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction is also known as Exercise-induced asthma or E.I.A. and occurs when the airways narrow or tighten due to exercise. Contrary to belief, this does not cause asthma but is rather an asthma trigger. Other symptoms may include shortness of stamina and the inability to recover after an increased exertion like a sprint.
On May 1, 2013, the American Thoracic Society published updated recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. This is the development of asthma-like symptoms with exercise. It can occur in people with or without asthma and leads to wheezing, chest tightness, or cough during or after exercise.
These updated recommendations emphasize the importance of obtaining a diagnosis of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) if symptoms are suspected rather than simply trying a rescue inhaler such as albuterol. The importance of a warm-up period prior to exercise is also highlighted, as this can often prevent the development of symptoms once more intensive exercise begins. Various therapies are highlighted, and a clear algorithm for the management of symptoms in novice and elite athletes, alike, is provided.
If your child is an athlete and the above may pertain to them, make sure you teach them to practice the best recommended treatments for EIB. Be sure to have them warm up their muscles and stretch prior to any type of strenuous exercise, drink lots of water, and bring them in to get tested right away if symptoms don’t subside. Keep your child “in the know” so they can be normal, playful kids and not have to sit out on the sidelines anymore.
Visit the asthma specialists at Asthma and Allergy Associates if you experience symptoms of EIB. We can test and diagnose you if you think you may have exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and give you professional treatment for your symptoms. Let your kids be kids without breathing ailments, give us a call today!