Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a temporary inflammation and narrowing of your airways. EIB may also be called exercise-induced asthma. EIB occurs during strenuous exercise, or develops 5 to 10 minutes after. Irritants such as pollution, allergens, or cold, dry air may trigger an EIB attack. Your risk for EIB is increased if you have asthma. You may still have EIB even if you do not have asthma.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Return to the emergency department if:

• You have severe shortness of breath.
• Your lips or nails are blue or gray.
• The skin around your neck and ribs pulls in when you breathe.

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• You are use short-acting medicine every day, or more frequently than usual.
• Your symptoms get worse.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• montelukast
• Xolair
• Dupixent
• Dulera
• Atrovent

View more treatment options

Medicines:

• Medicines may be given to help decrease inflammation, open airways, and make it easier to breathe. You will use an inhaler to take these medicines. Your healthcare provider will tell you the kind of inhaler to use and show you how to use it. Short-acting medicine is taken 15 minutes before you exercise, or when you have symptoms. Long-acting medicine is taken daily to help prevent an exercise-induced attack. You may also need medicine to control allergies that trigger your symptoms.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Follow up with your healthcare provider as directed:

You will need to return to make sure your medicine is working and your symptoms are controlled. You may be referred to an asthma specialist. Bring a list of your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Prevent EIB episodes:

• Avoid known triggers , such as dust or pollen.
• Choose exercise that requires only short bursts of intense breathing, if possible. Examples include volleyball, gymnastics, baseball, wrestling, or sprinting. Exercise that requires intense breathing for long periods is more likely to trigger EIB.
• Warm up before you exercise. Do moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, for 10 minutes before you do strenuous exercise.
• Wear a mask over your mouth when you exercise in cold weather. This will help warm the air you breathe.

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