Exercise Induced Asthma In almost every instance, people with asthma can exercise without discomfort if a proper treatment plan is followed. Exercise induced asthma occurs when cold or dry air goes into the lungs in large amounts.  Normally the air is warmed, filtered, and humidified after entering the nose.  During strenuous exercise, people tend to breathe through their mouths instead of their noses.  The air entering the lungs is then cold, dry, and unfiltered.  After about six minutes of breathing this type of air during strenuous exercise, bronchospasm occurs. To lessen the effects of exercise induced asthma, try sports that require brief exercise intervals:  baseball, football, volleyball, golf, weight lifting, etc.  Sports that require sustained exercise like long distance running and aerobics will cause the most problems.  A warm, moist environment is preferable to a cold, dry one. Try swimming versus ice skating or skiing.  With correct preparation, any form of exercise should be possible. PREPARATION 1.      Be sure to begin with a slow warm-up.  You may be able to bypass asthma symptoms that occur during the first 15 minutes of exercise. 2.      If you exercise in cold air, try wearing a face mask or scarf over your mouth and nose. 3.      Inhaled bronchodilators (albuterol), cromolyn sodium, or nedocromil before exercise may help block asthma symptoms.  Follow your  Asthma & Allergy Center  doctor's instructions about premedication and treatment should an episode occur. PREMEDICATION:________________________________________________ RESCUE TREATMENT: _______________________________________________________