Elgin IL athletes get relief from exercise-induced asthma

Elgin IL athletes get relief from exercise-induced asthma

The American Academy of Family Physicians estimates more than 10 percent of the population and up to 90 percent of those diagnosed with asthma have exercise-induced asthma.

In persons with this condition, physical exertion causes the airways to narrow. This narrowing is known as “bronchoconstriction.” It’s important to note that exercise alone is not to blame for asthma symptoms. Instead, it’s believed factors such as cold, dry air and environmental pollutants trigger the series of events that result in inflammation and increased mucus in the airways.

In fact, the AAFP notes this Exercise Induced Bronchoconstriction is frequently present in athletes who train and compete in cold weather sports. The incidence of EIB among Olympic cross-country skiers was reportedly 50 percent.

Common symptoms of exercise-induced asthma include:

  • Tightness in the chest
  • Cough
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath

The Academy notes less common signs of EIB include:

  • Fatigue
  • Poor athletic performance
  • Sense of being out-of-shape, despite physical fitness
  • Stomach upset

Diagnosis

This condition typically happens during strenuous physical activity, and reportedly peaks around five minutes after exercise starts.

The Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates and Food Allergy Center of Illinois team uses a spirometry test to see if underlying asthma is present. This test assesses how well the lungs function at rest by measuring the volume of air inhaled and exhaled, and how quickly air is breathed out.

The test is repeated after a bronchodilator medication to open the lungs is inhaled to compare if the drug helped with airflow. This helps to rule out chronic, unmanaged asthma as a cause of EIB.

Challenge tests simulate the exercise that induces symptoms by increasing the breathing rate through physical activity such as climbing stairs or running on a treadmill. Safe chemical mixtures may also be inhaled to simulate the conditions that trigger EIB. If airways respond, the test should result in the same lung function experienced during exercise.

Additional tests may be needed to rule out conditions with similar symptoms such as allergies, heart rhythm disturbances, and lung disease.

Treatment

Medications are considered a cornerstone of EIB treatment. Some drugs may be prescribed before exercise to minimize or prevent symptoms, and include:

  • Short-acting beta agonists, such as brands Proventil HFA, Xopenex HFA and Maxair, which are inhaled to open airways
  • Ipratropium, which is inhaled or in its generic form may be taken with a nebulizer to relax airways

Dr. Noga Askenazi and the team may prescribe a long-term drug to control underlying asthma (where present) or manage symptoms when those medications taken before exercise aren’t effective, and include:

  • Corticosteroids, sold as Flovent HFA, Asmanex Twisthaler and Qvar, and inhaled to stop inflammation
  • Inhalers such as Symbicort, Dulera and Advair Diskus may contain both a corticosteroid and a long-acting beta agonist to relax airways
  • Leukotriene modifiers, including Zyflo, Singulair and Accolate, are pills that may block inflammation and can also be used as a preventive pre-exercise drug

The AAFP highlights a number of alternatives to pharmaceuticals for management of exercise-induced asthma in conjunction with a short-acting inhaler administered before exercise. Suggestions include avoiding both asthmatic triggers such as allergens and certain types of endurance activities like long-distance running.

Those with exercise-induced asthma in Elgin, IL can enjoy their favorite activities again. Relief and treatment starts with a call to the local office of Dr. Askenazi at (847) 888-8802.

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Meredith Cirrincione | Dr. Noga Askenazi

Amy Schack, a distinguished board-certified Physician Associate, brings a wealth of expertise to patient care. Specializing in allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, and rashes, Amy is renowned for her commitment to excellence and compassionate approach. With a background in immediate care and orthopedics, she holds a Master's in Physician Assistant studies from Midwestern University and a Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University. A member of esteemed professional associations, including the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Amy Schack instills confidence, ensuring you can trust her unwavering dedication to your health and well-being.


Meredith Cirrincione is a board certified Physician Assistant and specializes in treating allergies, with a focus on asthma, rashes, environmental allergies, chemical and food allergies. She holds a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from The Chicago Medical School - Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences. She is a Fellow member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. She likes to approach things holistically. She is a strong patient advocate and adored by her patients. She enjoys singing, reading, cooking, and the great outdoors.


Dr. Noga Askenazi is a nationally recognized asthma and allergy specialist who is board certified in pediatric and adult allergy. Her areas of special interest are innovative treatment of rashes, sinusitis, food allergies, asthma and immune disorders. She was past President of the ISAAI (Illinois Society of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology), works on state and national committees for advancement of the allergy field and is a consultant for Advocate, Ascension Health, Northwestern amongst other health care systems. Her joy is helping patients reach their goals after together determining best treatments. Her staff and patients are a chosen family, and she invests in their happiness. She enjoys gardening, biking and cooking to good music.