Symptoms of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB)
The symptoms of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB) are similar to
asthma symptoms. In fact, most people who have asthma also have EIB.
1 Even if you don't have asthma, you may experience EIB symptoms during or after exercise.
2,3 Common symptoms of EIB are:
1
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing or noisy breathing
- Chest tightness
- Coughing after exercise
People with EIB may feel frustrated because their symptoms make it hard to be physically active. Many people avoid physical activity as a result of their EIB symptoms.
4 However, lack of exercise can lead to other health problems.
5
If you have trouble breathing during or after sports or exercise, talk to your healthcare provider about EIB to see if
treatment may be right for you. Our EIB Screener can help you start that conversation.
References
- Sinha T, David AK. Recognition and Management of Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm. Am Fam Physician. 2003;67(4): 769-774,675
- Parsons, JP et al. Prevalence of Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm in a Cohort of Varsity College Athletes. Med Sci Sports Exercise. 2007;39:1487-92.
- NHLBI Expert Panel Report 3 (EPR3): Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.htm. Accessed April 20, 2010.
- EIB: A Landmark Survey. Executive Summary. Available at: http://eiblandmarksurvey.com/executive_summary.aspx. Accessed March 2009.
- 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.