I the past month I’ve started showing signs of EIB/EIA - - mostly cough spams that develop AFTER exercise, though it hit me hard for the first time ever Saturday DURING the Gulf Coast Tri . (Yeah, I’m playing doctor here. I haven’t seen a doctor, much less been diagnosed).
From the information I’ve gathered, it appears to impact a lot of endurance athletes.
Anyone here run into this condition? If so, how have you treated the condition? Any recommendations?
I get a very mild case of this during the winter. If x-country ski or run on a particularly cold day I’ll get the symptoms you describe. Fortunately it’s not a problem during the warm weather.
My MD perscribed me a puffer a few years ago. I’ve only had to use it two or three times.
I have a similar problem (exercised induced asthma) and a doctor prescribed Advair and an inhaler (sic?). I’ve found it to be very helpful. I was using an over the counter Primateen-Mist and my Dr. had a fit b/c he thought it was dangerous. Bottom line is go see a Dr.
I’ve found over the last few years that I also have EIA, but my main trigger is cold weather. My doctor prescribed Advair and I take it only from late fall - early spring. I find that I still have problems on some chilly early AM runs without the drugs, but I just feel better without them (i.e. just for the sake of not taking drugs).
-J
Exercise induced bronchospasm is quite common, especially in endurance athletes, and particularly in cold air. The vast majority only need to use a short acting bronchodilator, like albuterol or pirbuterol (Max-Air) shortly before exercise. Some do well with Singulair, (Montelukast–which is a tablet,) but I find it to be overrated in EIB. If one is having frequent symptoms the addition of an inhaled steroid (cortisone type–not androgens) to keep the inflammation and/or twitchiness down. (that may also indicate that you have asthma, not just EIB.)
“Prewheezing” can be helpful. 1/2 hour before exercise or event, exercise until you just begin to feel the twitch or wheeze, then rest, or take 2 puffs of your inhaler and rest. (Two cycles of this starting 1 hour ahead is better.) (Only use one round of your inhaler, though.)
Since I usually wheeze on the swim, I try to get there early enough to get in at least one cycle of ‘prewheeze’ before a Tri.
DO NOT USE PRIMATENE MIST, or any similar product. These contain epinephrine (adrenaline) which, after repeated use causes one to need it just to breathe. Worse, it makes you unresponsive to the usual asthma medications. I don’t know why it is even legal.
Hope that helps.
I have EIA as well, and it’s typically worse in cold, dry weather. I do still get some wheezing even in warm/hot weather, but not nearly as bad. I take Foradil once daily, usually before exercise and that takes care of it. I have an Albuterol inhaler as well that I usually carry with me in case of an emergency. Go see an Allergist/Immunologist…he’ll be able to give you a proper diagnosis and prescribe the right medications. Good luck.
“Allergist/Immunologist”
what about a pulmonologist? what specialist makes this diagnosis?
Oh I don’t know, I imagine this is definitely pulmonologist territory. All I know is that I saw an Allergist/Immunologist…
Either an allergist/immunologist or pulmonologist can help you with this. Foradil works well for some people and can provide many hours of EIB prevention, but may have adverse effects and tolerance in some people. It is expensive.
It is expensive
That it is. A top-tier preferred drug according to my insurance…but a $50 deductible is better than none I suppose. Just curious what adverse effects it’s known to have?
I know that some people with spasms get referred to a speech threatpist to learn to better control their breathing (I think).
since salmeterol (a similar, but, in my view, inferior drug) can cause a reduced response to albuterol, and possibly bronchoconstriction or increased hyperresponsiveness, alergists are somewhat wary that after more people use it for longer periods, we may see that same with Formodorol. I use it and have seen very few patients that can’t tolerate it. I do use it before skiing, triathlons, bricks, long rides or long runs. the europeans have been using it alone or in combinations with budesonide (pulmicort.)
The cold air is a trigger for me too. Never needed a puffer. I just put up with the tightness. It does not bother me when exercising. Just post-exercise. I don’t have spasms, just a heavy tight feeling in my chest. Can extreme exertion in cold air damage the lungs?
I was initially diagnosed with exercise induced asthma and later just simple asthma (although the only time it effects me is when I exercise). I use albuterol before exercising and have been fortunate not to have any problems. I take singular at night and advair twice daily. GCT was hot and tough. I would definitely find a pulmonologist or allergy doc that is interested in people who exercise. Most pulmonary docs see hundreds of elderly or smokers, so you should be well received.
I am not aware that cold air can damage your lungs, but you might couble check that with pulmonologist.
I would be wiling to bet that your workouts would be more productive and your competition times better if you us albuterol beforehand. (As well as a little prewheezing–see above.) It will almost certainly allow you to a achieve a higher percentage of your VO2 max.