Control Exercise Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB)
Overall about 10 percent of the people in the U.S. have EIB. More than 23 million people have asthma, and 80 percent to 90 percent of them have EIB. While four out of five asthma patients have exercise-related symptoms, less than one-quarter have been diagnosed with EIB. More than one-third of the people with asthma avoid activities because of their symptoms.
EIB without asthma is common in elite athletes – those who exercise strenuously over long periods of time. It is especially common in athletes who take part in cold weather sports such as cross country skiing or hockey. If this is you, your allergist may suggest limiting your training to 20 hours per week. High doses of one type of long-term control medicine also may help.
Whether you're training for the Olympics or simply trying to stay in shape, you can stay active and control your EIB if you work with an allergist.