Exercise-induced asthma is asthma that is triggered by vigorous physical activity. Exercise-induced asthma is more common in children and young adults because of their high levels of physical activity, but it can occur at any age.
Signs and symptoms of exercise-induced asthma are similar to those of asthma attacks due to other causes and include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, increased work to breathe, increase in respiratory rate, chest tightness, and chest pain. Other possible associated symptoms in people suffering from exercise-induced asthma can be fatigue during exercise, lightheadedness, avoidance of activity or exercise, or poor athletic performance.
Cause of exercise-induced asthma
The cause of exercise-induced asthma is related to a fall in airway temperature during rapid breathing followed by rapid reheating with lowered ventilation.
Other exercise-induced asthma symptoms and signs
- Avoidance of Activity
- Chest Pain
- Chest Tightness
- Cough
- Fatigue While Exercising
- Increased Respiratory Rate
- Lightheadedness
- Poor Athletic Performance
- Shortness of Breath When Exercising
- Wheezing
Main Article on Exercise-Induced Asthma Symptoms and Signs

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Examples of Medications for Exercise-Induced Asthma Symptoms and Signs
- albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil)
- albuterol and ipratropium inhaler (Combivent Respimat)
- alfalfa
- ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone propionate inhalation powder)
- ArmonAir RespiClick (fluticasone propionate)
- beclomethasone dipropionate inhaler (Qvar)
- beclomethasone dipropionate nasal inhaler-spray
- beclomethasone hfa inhaler - oral, Qvar
- bitolterol mesylate
- Brompheniramine/Dextromethorphan/Pseudoephedrine
- Bronchodilators (Drug Class)
- budesonide (oral inhalation, Pulmicort, Pulmicort Flexhaler)
- dupilumab
- epinephrine racemic
- How Do You Use Inhalers and Nebulizers?
- Nucala (mepolizumab)
- quercetin
- Qvar (beclomethasone) Side Effects, Warnings, and Drug Interactions
- rifampin
- Side Effects of Ephedrine (oral)
- Side Effects of Ventolin (albuterol)
- Side Effects of Xolair (omalizumab)
- tiotropium
- Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone furoate)
- umeclidinium bromide
- What Are the Benefits of An Aerosol Treatment?
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