Michael Maggio Director, Media Relations Karen West Asst. The problem occurs within five minutes to 10 minutes after beginning exercise. The hallmark of exercise-induced asthma is a 15 percent drop in the maximum rate at which air is expelled from the lungs. About half of those affected by exercise-induced asthma can actually resume activities shortly afterwards with decreased symptoms.
Some individuals never consult a physician concerning their problem.
They simply adjust their exercise regimen to delay or minimize symptoms. Others seek treatment, including use of an inhaler. The cause of exercise-induced asthma is uncertain. However, some physicians theorize that the quick, heavy breathing involved in strenuous activity cools and dries the normally warm, moist air entering and leaving the lungs. This cooling and drying process may irritate the air passages, causing them to become inflamed and go into spasm.