ASTHMA & EXERCISE-INDUCED BRONCHOSPASM (EIB) |
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General Information
DEFINITION--A chronic breathing disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of wheezing and shortness of breath. It affects many people who exercise regularly.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Chest tightness and shortness of breath.
Wheezing when exhaling.
Coughing, especially at night, with little sputum.
Rapid, shallow breathing that is easier with sitting up.
Breathing difficulty--neck muscles tighten. SEVERE LATE SYMPTOMS:
Bluish skin.
Exhaustion.
Grunting respiration.
Inability to speak.
Mental changes, including restlessness, confusion or delirium.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORSSpasm of air passages (bronchi and bronchioles) followed by swelling of the passages and thickening of lung secretions (sputum). This decreases or closes off air to the lungs. These changes are caused by:
Allergens, such as some medications, pollen, dust, animal dander, molds and some foods.
Air irritants, such as smoke, smog and odors.
Exercise, especially exercise in smoggy or cold air. Bronchospasm can occur within minutes while exercising in cool air. Warm, humid air seldom triggers exercise-induced bronchospasm.
Lung infections such as bronchitis.
Stress.
Family history of asthma or allergies.
Smoking.
Use of drugs to which you are allergic, such as aspirin.
HOW TO PREVENT
Avoid known allergens and air pollutants.
Take prescribed preventive medicines regularly--don't omit them when you feel well.
Reduce activity level (sometimes).
Exercise indoors on smoggy or cold days.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and exam by a doctor.
Laboratory blood studies and pulmonary-function test.
Chest X-rays.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSSymptoms can be controlled with treatment and strict adherence to preventive measures. Children often outgrow asthma. Without treatment, severe attacks can be fatal.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Enlarged chest from repeated asthma attacks over a long period of time.
Pneumothorax (collapsed lung).
Repeated lung infections.
COPD (See Glossary) from recurrent attacks.
Respiratory failure.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENT
Emergency-room care and hospitalization for severe attacks.
Psychotherapy or counseling, if asthma is stress-related.
HOME TREATMENT
Eliminate allergens and irritants at home and at work, if possible.
Keep regular medications with you at all times. Ask your doctor about having emergency drugs available.
Sit upright during attacks.
Practice deep breathing and postural drainage (See Glossary) each morning to loosen accumulated lung secretions.
MEDICATIONYour doctor may prescribe:
Expectorants to loosen sputum.
Bronchodilators to open air passages.
Corticosteroid drugs by nebulizer, which have fewer adverse reactions than oral forms.
Cromolyn sodium by nebulizer. This is a preventive drug.
ACTIVITY
Stay active, but avoid sudden bursts of exercise. If an attack follows heavy exercise, sit and rest. Sip warm water.
Continue sports activities if symptoms can be controlled. If not, decrease exercise levels temporarily until symptoms improve.
DIETNo special diet, but avoid foods to which you are sensitive. Drink at least 3 quarts of liquid daily to keep lung secretions thin and loose.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have frequent symptoms of asthma.
You have an asthma attack that doesn't respond to treatment. This is an emergency!
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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