|  | Conditions Treatments | Asthma

Signs & Symptoms of Exercise Induced Asthma that Persists for Days

Exercise induced asthma (EIA) is a condition in which the bronchi (the air passages of the lungs) become inflamed during physical exercise, according to eMedicineHealth.com. As in all forms of asthma, EIA is characterized by attacks in which the airways swell and produce too much mucus, which further blocks airflow. Symptoms usually go away within a short time after ceasing physical activity. However, they may last for hours or even days. Over time, persistent exercise induced asthma can cause permanent narrowing of the airways, causing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

  1. Coughing and Wheezing

    • Coughing and wheezing are common symptoms of exercise induced asthma that usually begin five to 20 minutes after beginning to exercise, according to eMedicineHealth.com. The wheezing often is accompanied by a feeling of being unable to breathe or gasping for air without being able to catch your breath, Asthma Helpline reports. Hyperventilation (rapid breathing) during exercise is often a trigger for EIA, because air entering the body does not have time to warm to body temperature before reaching the lungs. People often breathe through their mouths while exercising, which also affects the air reaching the lungs because it is not properly humidified in the nose. Breathing symptoms usually subside 10 to 15 minutes after stopping exercising, according to the Mayo Clinic, but symptoms can last much longer.

    Fatigue

    • Feeling drained of energy more quickly than usual or persistently poor athletic performance may be a sign of exercise induced asthma, the Mayo Clinic reports. Although feeling some shortness of breath, tiredness and muscle weakness is normal after heavy exercise, especially if you aren't used to exercising regularly, long-lasting exhaustion is not typical. The clinic recommends seeking medical attention if extreme fatigue persists or worsens.

    Chest Pain or Tightness

    • Chest pain and tightness are sometimes overlooked as the body's typical response to working out. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, these symptoms should not be ignored as they can indicate exercise induced asthma and other serious medical conditions. Chest pain or tightness may begin during or after exercise and may feel like a crushing or squeezing sensation around the heart or lungs, according to eMedicineHealth.com. During an EIA attack, the bronchi constrict (a process known as a bronchospasm), which may cause chest discomfort and pain.

Asthma - Related Articles