Exercise-Induced Bronchospasm

Description

Exercise-induced bronchospasm is a condition marked by narrowing of the airways to the lung. It is most often seen after short periods of high-intensity exercise. The amount of narrowing is not usually severe, so exercise rarely stops when the narrowing takes place. Instead, the athlete usually has a variety of symptoms that may affect both training and performance. Recovery usually takes about 1 hour.

Common signs and symptoms

• Wheezing (high-pitched sounds with breathing)

• Coughing

• Dyspnea (increased work of breathing)

• Hyperventilation (rapid breathing)

• Chest pain

• Late-phase reaction (symptoms occur 4 to 6 hours after exercise is completed)

Causes

The cause of exercise-induced bronchospasm is unknown. It is believed that the air we breathe either cools or dehydrates the lining of the airway, resulting in inflammation and narrowing of the airway in athletes who are susceptible to this condition.

Factors that increase risk

• Viral infections

• Exercise in cold air

• Exercise in dry conditions

• Poor conditioning

• High-intensity exercise

• No warm-up before play

< div class='tao-gold-member'>

Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related

Related posts:

Birth Control and Sports Biceps Tendon Subluxation Eye Foreign Body Effort Thrombosis Proximal Tibiofibular Joint Dislocation Subtalar Dislocation

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

Join

Full access? Get Clinical Tree