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Using Inhaler For Shortness Of Breath. Can Exercise Cause Asthma To Become Worse?
Question: Hi, is it possible for exercise-induced asthma to become worse? I have been getting short of breath every day now (in the morning and evening), but I have no wheezing. It feels like I cannot catch a full breath, and that my body isn't getting enough oxygen. In the last week there have been three specific times where I got out of breath to the point where I cannot speak a full sentence without gasping for more air. Usually this resolves itself after a few minutes, but should I be using my inhaler for this?
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for posting on XXXXXXX
Asthma mechanism is bronchoconstriction and exercise-induced asthma simply occurs when the bronchi are constricted due to exercise. Other factors that can provoke bouts of asthma can equally aggravate or worsen the asthma. From your description it seems, the slightest efforts now are getting bronchial constriction worst. I suggest you use your inhaler to try to dilate your bronchi to increase the airway space. Asthma has many ways of manifesting but one of its pathogmonic symptom is difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath. Wheezing might not always be there (at least not audible to the necked ear). Trying using your inhaler and if you do not feel any much better try consulting your doctor as soon as possible.
Hope this helps and wish you a better health
Dr Nsah
Thanks for posting on XXXXXXX
Asthma mechanism is bronchoconstriction and exercise-induced asthma simply occurs when the bronchi are constricted due to exercise. Other factors that can provoke bouts of asthma can equally aggravate or worsen the asthma. From your description it seems, the slightest efforts now are getting bronchial constriction worst. I suggest you use your inhaler to try to dilate your bronchi to increase the airway space. Asthma has many ways of manifesting but one of its pathogmonic symptom is difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath. Wheezing might not always be there (at least not audible to the necked ear). Trying using your inhaler and if you do not feel any much better try consulting your doctor as soon as possible.
Hope this helps and wish you a better health
Dr Nsah
Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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