EIB: Exercise-induced bronchospasm
EIB stands for
Exercise-
induced
Bronchospasm, a condition that can make it hard to breathe during or after physical activity, like exercise. EIB is sometimes referred to as
exercise-induced asthma, because the symptoms of EIB have a lot in common with asthma symptoms.
Who has EIB?
In the U.S. alone, there are millions of people, both adults and children, who have EIB. While it is more common among people who have asthma, there are many people who have symptoms of EIB but have not been diagnosed with asthma. Overall, it is estimated that about 30 million people in the U.S. have EIB.
1,2 We've developed
EIB patient stories to give you an idea of what it can be like to suffer from EIB symptoms, or to care for someone who does–and to show the benefits of proper treatment.
How does EIB affect people?
EIB can cause
coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness when you exercise. Many people who experience these symptoms avoid exercise and other physical activity for fear of triggering these symptoms.
3 And of course, a lack of physical activity can lead to other problems like obesity.
4
There's no reason that EIB should keep you from living an active life. In fact, in a recent Winter Olympics, almost 1 in 4 U.S. athletes had EIB.
3
That's why it's important to speak with your healthcare provider if you or a member of your family suffer from EIB symptoms. Our
EIB screener can help you identify
EIB symptoms and help start that conversation. EIB can be a frustrating condition, but there's good news–there are EIB medications like
ProAir® HFA and some EIB precautions you can take to help prevent EIB symptoms.
Learn more about EIB
You can learn more by watching our
video about managing EIB symptoms, or by downloading our brochure about
Staying Active with EIB.
To get additional EIB-related resources, check out
EIBandMe.com.
References
- Parsons, JP et al. Prevalence of Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm in a Cohort of Varsity College Athletes. Med and Sci in Sports and Exercise. 2007;39:1487-92.
- United States Census Bureau. Population Clock. Available at http://www.census.gov/main/www/popclock.html. Accessed March 2010.
- McComb JJR, Jumper CA, Williams JS, O'Rear VF. Recommendations for Participation in Sport Activities and Exercise for Persons with Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm. Hospital Physician. 2003;39(1):23-38.
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Obesity in children and teens. Facts for Families newsletter. 2008:No 79.
ProAir
® HFA (albuterol sulfate) Inhalation Aerosol is indicated in patients 4 years of age and older for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm with reversible obstructive airway disease and for the prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm.
Important Safety Information
If your symptoms become significantly worse when you use ProAir
® HFA, contact your doctor immediately. This may indicate either a worsening of your asthma or a reaction to the medication, which may rarely occur with the first use of a new canister of ProAir
® HFA. Either of these could be life-threatening.
What to tell your doctor before using ProAir
® HFA: If you have a heart, blood, or seizure disorder, high blood pressure, diabetes, or an overactive thyroid, be sure to tell your doctor. Also make sure your doctor knows all the medications you are taking – especially heart medications and drugs that treat depression – because some medications may interfere with how well your asthma medications work. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Side effects associated with ProAir
® HFA included headache, rapid heart beat, pain, dizziness, and irritation of the throat and nose.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit
www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.