Exercise-induced asthma can be successfully treated with medication. The kind of medication usually tried first is an inhaled bronchodilator. Your health care provider will instruct you to take two puffs of this medication about 15 to 30 minutes before your activity. If your provider tells you to, you may also use this medication during your activity if you get symptoms. Know what triggers your asthma.
Some people have most symptoms during strenuous activity in cold, dry air.
During the winter you may need to exercise indoors or to wear a mask when you exercise outside. Wearing a mask warms the air before you inhale it. You may also need to be aware of conditions such as air pollution or allergens such as dust or pollen. Doing warm-up exercises before a vigorous workout may help prevent an asthma attack. Many people, including successful athletes, have exercise-induced asthma.